POLLING STATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Isle of Wight residents can today (Thursday) shape the future of local democracy as polling stations across the Island are open for the 2025 Town/Parish Council Elections, as well as 3 Council By-Elections.
For those in Central Rural, Lake North and Freshwater South, where by-elections are being held for seats on the Isle of Wight Council, it is important to have your say as you will decide who represents you when decisions are made about local services, including everything from bin collections to road improvements.
In Lake, Adrian Whittaker (Conservative) was the only candidate to be present when Island Echo arrived. It was a similar story in Godshill, where Simon Richards (Conservative) was also the only one present.
Residents have been slowly arriving at polling stations in Lake, Godshill, Rookley, Chillerton, Arreton and Freshwater. Initial impressions are that turnout is low, with some predicting just 24% by the end of the day.
In Freshwater, Warren Wythe (Conservative), Emma Cox (Independent) and Anne Bamford (Labour) all welcomed pollers at West Wight Sports Centre.
Town/Parish Council Elections are also taking place in 16 different wards. This gives you the opportunity to vote for who you want to represent you at a neighbourhood level. These Parish Councillors often make decisions about very local matters, such as planting, playgrounds and charitable grants in towns and villages.
Not all wards on the Isle of Wight are holding an election. This is because some wards only have enough candidates standing for the required number of seats, so the seat is uncontested.
The smallest ward going to the polls is Thorley on Yarmouth Town Council. Just 219 registered voters will choose from 4 candidates competing for 2 available seats. At the other end of the scale, Osborne Ward in East Cowes has 3,208 eligible voters. Here, 5 candidates are standing for 4 vacancies on East Cowes Town Council.
You have until 22:00 tonight (Thursday) to vote. Voters are reminded that photo ID is required to vote in person. Accepted forms of ID include a passport or driving licence.
When will the results be declared?
The count for both Town/Parish and By-Elections is being held at Westridge in Ryde this year. This will take place tomorrow (Friday 2nd May 2025).
The results of the local by-elections are expected at Friday lunchtime. The results for Town/Parish Council elections are expected on Friday afternoon.
Island Echo will be bringing you all the latest, as it happens, live from the count throughout Friday.
Find out who your local councillor is, how and where to vote and the results of previous elections at www.isleofwight.vote - the Island's new hub for all things related to Local and General Elections, brought to you by Island Echo.
I would have liked to gave voted today, but Jordan and his chums wanted at least another year at the tough….
You could have stood in the town and parish elections and given your community a chance to vote, like everyone in all the above listed places.
Jordan is Ryde Town Councillor and is up for election today. Did you stand against him? Or perhaps you went out and campaigned for one of his opponents?
My vote stolen and denied by no brainer raynor. Starmers army marches onward to oblivion.