Residents are being urged to go along and vote in the borough council elections and national referendum on the alternative vote (AV) today (Thursday).
Twenty seats are being contested across Basingstoke borough, including the Popley East by-election following the resignation of Cllr Mary Brian.
The council’s website holds a full list of wards up for election.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has 60 seats up for grabs covering 29 wards, with between two and three councillors for each ward.
Unlike national elections, a third of the council comes up for election each year, with councillors elected for four years.
Elections are also being held for parish councils across the borough.
Only Dummer, Steventon, Tadley Central and Upton Grey will host contested parish elections.
There will be 29 uncontested parish elections, including at Kingsclere, Whitchurch, Chineham and Overton.
Cllr Stephen Reid, deputy chairman of Basingstoke Conservative Association, said residents should vote to ensure local concerns are met.
He said: “The decisions taken at a borough level are very important to the quality of life of residents.
“The issues that the borough works with and our priorities should match the aspirations for Basingstoke.”
Cllr Gavin James, Liberal Democrat group leader, said the borough elections are more important than ever.
“It is important for people to vote because these are the most important elections in a generation,” he said.
“The Government is giving more and more powers to local councils and now we have more chance to run our council.
He urged voters not to think about national politics when voting locally.
He said: “We want people to back our local record – people should not use local elections as a way of judging Westminster. These elections are about local matters.”
Labour group leader, Cllr Laura James stressed the importance of having a local voice.
She said: “The only way change can happen is by voting – it’s your opportunity to hold your council to account for spending £12m on new council offices or to save travel tokens, children’s centres or our nursing homes.
“Decisions are made by politicians that affect your life, your street, your community and you need to make them listen to your voice through the ballot box.”
Voting booths will be open from 7am to 10pm and the count will take place at Queen Mary’s College on Cliddesden Road from 10.45pm, headed by the council’s returning officer, Dorcas Bunton.
And residents will be able to vote in the national referendum as well.
The borough council has set up 81 polling stations across the borough.
To get updates on the election and AV vote, follow the Basingstoke Observer on Twitter and see next Thursday’s issue for a full break down of the results.
