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Millions of people across the country are heading to polling stations to vote in a general election that could deliver a major shake-up of British politics and end 14 years of Conservative government.
The prime minister was up early to cast his ballot alongside his wife Akshata Murty in his North Yorkshire constituency and Keir Starmer, who appeared all smiles, cast his ballot accompanied by his wife Victoria in London.
Former Boris Johnson made an appearance in his constituency, where he urged supporters to vote against “nightmare” wokery and tax rises he claims would come with a future Labour government.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pleaded with voters to re-elect him as he cast his ballot in Godalming and Ash, where he is fighting to defend his seat against the Lib Dems.
A major poll for The Independent yesterday suggested Rishi Sunak would lead the Conservatives to the worst defeat in history with only 82 seats.
If the forecast is accurate, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and defence secretary Grant Shapps are among the veteran Conservatives set to be ousted.
Sir Keir could enter the doors of Number 10 triumphant, with an unprecedented 272-seat majority behind him, polls suggest.
Pinned: How to vote in the General Election – From finding a polling station to filling out your ballot
Opinion polling has consistently suggested the election will mark the end of 14 years of Conservative governance, with Labour flying ahead in projected voting intention. Some surveys predict smaller parties including the Lib Dems, Greens and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK could pick up record numbers of seats.
The true picture will remain unclear until Friday. Before that, the electorate must take to their local polling stations to cast their votes (if they have not done so already via a postal vote).
To ensure everyone gets a fair and equal chance to participate in this democratic process, there are a number of rules in place, which must be followed in and around polling stations.
Here’s everything you need to know about polling day:
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What are Keir Starmer’s biggest issues as he stands poised to enter Downing Street?
The first few days and weeks as prime minister will be a whirlwind that would make the difficult job as leader of the opposition look easy with hindsight.
Andrew Grice takes a look at the Labour leader’s key concerns:
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 July 2024 13:28
What happens if Rishi Sunak loses his seat before general election result is called?
No sitting prime minister has ever failed to win their seat at a general election – but the opinion polls this time around raise the question of what would happen if Rishi Sunak loses in Richmond.
The constituency could be close, and a survey by Savanta has suggested that the Tory PM is on course to see the 27,000-strong majority in his North Yorkshire constituency overturned.
A report claimed on Wednesday that the prime minister had confided to members of his inner circle that he was fearful of losing his seat, warning confidants that he believed the race in Richmond and Northallerton was too close to call.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 July 2024 13:23
Unusual polling stations: Tents, a laundrette and cemeteries
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 13:20
Watch: Downing Street waiting for the next prime minister to enter its doors
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 13:10
Northern Ireland First Minister cast her vote
Michelle O’Neill voted at the polling station at St Patrick’s Primary School in Clonoe, Co Tyrone.
She briefly spoke with a Sinn Fein member in a makeshift mobile outside the polling station.
Ms O’Neill spent several minutes inside to cast her vote.
Asked by photographers for a thumbs-up, she laughed and said: “Will a smile do?”
As she left the polling station, she shouted goodbye to local children and waved to voters.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 13:03
Dozens of dogs stand at polling station
A Facebook post by “The Duke of Buccleuch Hounds”, a local business at the Scottish Borders, captured a man standing at a polling station with dozens of dogs around him earlier this morning.
“Off to vote,” the post wrote.
Canqi Li4 July 2024 13:00
Polling day: What can you expect?
Each voter is assigned a polling station that is close to their registered address and they have to go to that place to vote. At most 2,250 voters are allocated to each polling station.
They are open between 7am and 10pm on polling day. Those in the queue outside the polling station at 10pm will still be allowed to vote.
It is not permitted to take photos inside the polling station.
Candidates are allowed to enter polling stations, but must not canvass voters. They can appoint polling agents who can enter the stations and observe the voting, although only one polling agent per candidate can enter the polling station at a time.
After the last person has voted the presiding officer seals the ballot box. Candidates, election agents or polling agents may add their own seal to the box as well.
After paperwork has been completed the ballot boxes are then transported to the count centre to be counted.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 12:59
Horses spotted at polling stations
After dogs and birds were spotted at polling stations, horses have made their own appearance.
Salma Ouaguira4 July 2024 12:55
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