People across Brighton and Hove and most of the county go to the polls today to shape their local area in a series of council elections.

Voters will be choosing councillors from across Sussex to serve for the next four years.

Here is a simple guide with everything you need to know for election day.

Which parts of Sussex are voting today?

Residents across almost all parts of Sussex will elect councillors today, from Chichester to Crawley and Lewes to Littlehampton.

A third of council seats are up for grabs in Crawley and Worthing, with all council seats being contested for:

  • Arun District Council
  • Brighton and Hove City Council
  • Chichester District Council
  • Eastbourne Borough Council
  • Horsham District Council
  • Lewes District Council
  • Mid Sussex District Council
  • Rother District Council
  • Wealden District Council

Elections are not taking place for Adur District Council or Hastings District Council.

When are the polls open from?

Polling stations are open from 7am and close at 10pm.

Where can I vote?

Voters can visit a local polling station to cast their vote. Those registered to vote should have received a poll card before the election detailing where the nearest polling station is. You can only vote at the polling station listed on the card.

Who can vote in today’s election?

Anyone over 18 who is a British, Irish, EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizen can vote in today’s election provided they are registered to vote in the area they want to vote in.

What do I bring to the polling station?

In a first for elections in Sussex voters will need to show a form of photo ID to confirm their identity.

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

  • UK or EU driving licence (full or provisional)
  • UK, EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Commonwealth passport
  • EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein national identity card
  • PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • Blue Badge
  • Voter Authority Certificate
  • Older person’s bus pass
  • Disabled person’s bus pass

The photo on the ID must look like you. You can still use your ID even if it has expired.

You do not need to take your poll card with you and you can still vote if you have lost your card.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2023:

When will the results be announced?

Councils across Sussex will count votes tomorrow with the first results expected from around 11am. However, you may have to wait until the evening for the final results to be announced, particularly in closely fought races.

Here is a provisional list of declaration times for elections across the county:

  • Arun: 4.30pm
  • Brighton and Hove: 5pm
  • Chichester: 4.30pm
  • Crawley: 1.30pm
  • Eastbourne: 5pm
  • Horsham: 5pm
  • Lewes: 5pm
  • Mid Sussex: 7pm
  • Rother: 6pm
  • Wealden: 3pm
  • Worthing: 12.30pm

Why do local elections matter?

Local elections do not often enjoy the same prominence as general elections, with relatively low turnout. However, these elections will decide who is responsible for planning issues, housing, rubbish collections, public transport, road maintenance and more.

The election is also an opportunity for voters to have their say on national issues, including the cost of living, providing a wider picture of the performance of the main political parties.

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Who is currently in control of the councils across Sussex?

The Conservatives are currently in control of Horsham District Council, Mid Sussex District Council and Wealden District Council and in minority control of Arun District Council and Chichester District Council.

Labour is currently in control of Crawley Borough Council and Worthing District Council.

Liberal Democrats are in control of Eastbourne Borough Council and minority control of Lewes District Council, with support from the Greens, Labour and two independent councillors.

The Green Party has minority control over Brighton and Hove City Council.

A political alliance of independents, the Liberal Democrats, Labour and a Green councillor currently control Rother District Council.