THE May election is set to be the biggest in Wychavon’s history, with more candidates competing for more seats at once than since the district was formed in 1974.

When voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 7 to choose their next MP, district councillors and parish councillors, there will be more than 100 candidates to choose from in the district election, compared to only 72 who were competing at the last local election in 2011, and more contested seats as well. Due to boundary changes, the number of wards has increased from 21 to 32, with 28 currently being fought over.

This election will also see nearly 35,000 postal votes used, on top of the 187,000 ballot papers being issued to voters, while 550 staff members will be helping to run the machinery of the election itself, manning 108 polling stations across the district, and counting up the votes.

It’s also interesting to note that with new voters turning 18 and some voters passing away over the past five years, as well as people moving in and out of the area, approximately 20 per cent of the electorate will be voting in Wychavon and the mid Worcestershire constituency for the first time.

Elaine Dicks, electoral services manager at Wychavon District Council, said: “The fact we have seen an increase in candidates and a reduction in the number of uncontested wards is a good thing for democracy as it increases the choice voters have at the ballot box.

“We’re using libraries, churches, pubs and even a private home as polling stations to make the process as easy and convenient as possible and we encourage people to take just a few minutes to make their voice heard and cast their vote on 7 May.”

Polling stations will be open on Thursday, May 7 from 7am until 10pm. Once the poll has closed, all ballot boxes will be taken to Pershore Leisure Centre to be counted and verified.

The result for the general election should be announced between 3am and 4am, while the local election results will be announced at some point from 10am on Friday, May 8.

Wychavon District Council is putting out live updates from both counts on Facebook at facebook.com/Wychavon and on Twitter @Wychavon.