WEST Dorset goes to the polls today to vote in the General Election.

As politicians make a last-minute dash for votes, residents are reminded they can exercise their democratic right at polling stations between 7am and 10pm today. You need to be on the electoral register to vote.

The election – called by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the end of October following chaotic Brexit negotiations – has been described by Tories and Labour as the most important poll in a generation.

Final opinion polls suggested yesterday that while the Conservatives remain in front, they are still not guaranteed an overall majority in the new parliament.

Candidates standing in West Dorset are Kelvin Clayton (Green), Chris Loder (Conservative), Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat), and Claudia Sorin (Labour).

You can read their biographies here.

You can also find a list of polling stations here. 

Counting for the West Dorset constituency will take place in Weymouth after polling stations close tonight with the results expected in the early hours.

The Bridport News will have a team at the count overnight who will be bringing you the latest news. Keep up to date with election news and results at bridportnews.co.uk