A guide to election day in Portsmouth: what to expect, how to vote and why you should vote
Voters are going to the polls today in the local council elections
The Portsmouth City Council elections are heading for an overnight count today (May 7).
Here’s all you need to know!
What are the local elections?
Local elections in England decide which councillors are elected to represent their ward in the council chamber.
Portsmouth City Council is made up of 14 wards, with three councillors in each. However, only one seat in each ward is being contested this year because the council uses an elections by thirds system.
When you vote in a local election, you are voting for the councillor who will represent the ward you live in. It is similar to a general election, where you vote for a member of parliament to represent your constituency.
Whichever candidate receives the most votes in that ward wins the seat and begins a four-year term as a councillor.
What local elections do not decide
National issues such as the NHS, immigration, asylum, the UK economy, defence, energy and international relations are decided at national level. Your local council has no direct influence over these issues.
A council can lobby national government or sign a notice of motion to highlight a national or international issue.
Local elections can, however, send a message to national parties. If the party in government loses a significant number of seats, it can prompt a change in thinking.
Why vote?
Voting in local elections is arguably one of the most important votes you can cast because your local council has a more direct influence on day-to-day life than MPs.
Councils deal with planning and licensing applications, bin collections, recycling, road maintenance, parking permits, libraries, public parks, school funding, social housing, benefits, child and family services, and adult social care, among many other services.
They also decide whether council tax is raised.
Voting for candidates can help shape policy and council decisions so they better reflect your priorities.
You can view a list of short biographies from Portsmouth’s candidates here.
How to vote on the day
If you are registered to vote, you will receive a poll card through the post telling you where your local polling station is.
You can also find your polling station on the Electoral Commission website by entering your postcode.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. You can vote at any point during those hours, but you must vote at your designated polling station.
For elections in England, you need to bring photographic ID in order to receive your ballot paper. The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission website.
How is the council run?
After the election, the party with the most councillors will usually attempt to form an administration.
If one party has enough councillors to command a majority in the council chamber, 22 seats out of 41, it can form a majority administration.
If no party has enough seats, the largest party may form a minority administration.
Results
The results in Portsmouth, along with most places across the country, are expected in the early hours of May 8, with declarations expected from around 3am.
At present, the council is made up of 18 Liberal Democrats, who run a minority administration.
The remaining seats are held by ten Reform UK councillors, nine Labour councillors, four Conservatives and one independent.
In this election, Labour are defending five seats, the Liberal Democrats four, Reform UK three and the Conservatives two.
How to follow the results
Ward by ward results will be shared on the The News’ live blog, which can be viewed on our website www.portsmouth.co.uk.