What time polling stations close in local elections 2023

Voters across England will be going to the ballot box for the local council elections on Thursday.

More than 200 local authorities across the country - including the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs - had seats up for grabs. In our region voters will be choosing at least one councillor in each ward.

Winning candidates in each of these wards will then be elected onto the council. The political party which wins the most seats will then control the council and have a say on how public services, including schools, libraries and bin collections, should be run.

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If you want to vote then you need to make sure you do not miss your chance as polling stations will only be open for a certain time.

Polling stations are open from 7am and 10pm and people will not be allowed to vote outside those hours.

If you are registered to vote, you will have received your poll card. This tells you where you need to go to vote and you do not need to take it with you.

When you arrive, you'll have to give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station. Then you'll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties or options you can vote for. You can also find your polling station here.

For the first time ever, photo ID will be required for those planning to vote. Accepted ID includes a passport, driving licence or some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and includes expired ID if you are still recognisable from the photo.

See the full list of acceptable IDs here.

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