Dorset voters go to polling stations in local elections

Seats were up for grabs for Dorset Council, all town and parish councils – a total of 107 authorities -  as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner.

However, there were no town council elections in Lyme Regis or Beaminster as not enough candidates came forward.  

The bad weather early on seemed to have an impact on polling stations with just a smattering of voters early in the day.

This year’s elections were the first time that Dorset residents had to bring photo ID to the polls and it split opinion.

Mike Henderson voting at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester (Image: Alfie Lumb)

Mike Henderson, voting at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester, said: “It’s very important to vote and voter ID has not been an issue at all.”

Another voter in Melcombe Regis, Weymouth, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed with Mr Henderson's opinion.

He said: “Voter IDs are a good idea, they know who you are and there is no fraud this way.”

Green Party Candidate Jon Orell and Conservative candidate Claire Wall outside the Park Community Centre polling station in Melcombe Regis. (Image: Andy Jones)

But another voter from Melcombe Regis suggested that it was a ‘bad idea’ and that it was ‘bang out of order’.

Jon Orell, standing for the Green Party in Melcombe Regis, said that three people were turned away for not having a suitable ID and left feeling ‘very upset’.

Preston Village Hall polling station (Image: AndyJones)

Elsewhere, in Preston, Peter Dickenson, standing for the Conservative party, said there had been no voter ID issues and was pleased with the turnout.

He added: "It has been very steady. We are pleased with the turn-out in Littlemoor, it looks like a good turnout.

“We are hoping for 50 per cent - that would be fantastic.”

People also voiced the importance of coming out to vote.

Alison Demir and Hilary Morely both voted at the Dorford Centre. 

Alison said: "It's vitally important to vote as it's the only way we can have a say, by voting for someone who we believe will do the best thing."

At Dorchester Cricket Club Andrew Goss said: “It’s vital because democracy locally, nationally and internationally is all equally important.”

Alan Weston from Burton Bradstock on election day in Bridport (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

In Bridport, Alan Weston felt strongly about people exercising their 'democratic right’.

He said: “Everyone should exercise their democratic right. If we don’t vote we have no right to then complain about any political decision that we disagree with.

“Voting is an important tight to maintaining our democracy and not voting denies our responsibility to each other within our communities regardless of which party is being supported.”

The results of the election will not be known until later today (Friday, May 3) for Dorset Council councillors, and Saturday, May 3 for all town and parish councillors.

The Police and Crime Commissioner results will also not be known until Saturday.