Polling stations across the Isle of Wight have opened this morning (Thursday) in preparation for the thousands of Islanders who are expected to turn out to vote for who they want to become the Island’s next MP.
A total of 6 candidates are in the running to take up the 5-year position including Bob Seely (Con), Vix Lowthion (Green), Julian Critchley (Lab), Nick Belfitt (Lib Dem), Julie Jones-Evans (Ind) and Daryll Pitcher (UKIP).
The Island’s MP since 2001, Andrew Turner, is not standing this year following his controversial comments about homosexuals.
Islanders who are registered to vote – thought to be around 105,000 people – can head to their local polling station between 07:00-22:00 today. Polling stations will close at 22:00 ahead of the all important count in Cowes. The winning candidate is expected to be declared at around 03:00.
Follow Island Echo’s live updates from Cowes Yacht Haven from 21:00 onwards at www.islandecho.co.uk/election.
