Going to the polls

Nearly 200 candidates will be fighting for seats when people across Shepway cast their votes for European and county elections - and in some areas for district and parish seats as well - on Thursday 4 June.

One hundred and forty three hopefuls are being fielded by 15 parties for the 10 seats that make up the south east region of the European Parliament.

And 31 candidates will be competing for the six local seats - Elham Valley, Folkestone North East, Folkestone South, Folkestone West, Hythe, and Romney Marsh - on Kent County Council.

At Shepway District Council, five candidates are fighting for the Hythe West ward vacancy and four are going for the Romney Marsh Ward vacancy.

There are also two vacant seats on Hythe Town Council and one on Sandgate Parish Council.

There are 58 polling stations in Shepway which are open from 7am until 10pm.

County, district and town and parish votes will be counted on Friday 5 June with results expected at around mid afternoon. Votes for the European Parliament will be counted on Sunday from 6pm and a local result is expected at around 9pm.

The count is being held at Hawkinge Community Centre.