General election 2024: Southampton voters head to polls

Dolly and Poppy travelled in style to Hamble Polling Station. (Image: Maria Smith)

Magnus casts his vote

Another dog at a polling station has landed in our inbox.

Magnus, pictured, accompanied his owner to Bishopstoke polling station earlier today. 

(Image: Shane Phillips)

'Go back to the 1960s'

John Cooper, 76, voted for a new Southampton Itchen MP this morning.

(Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I have been following all the general election news on the TV but I feel it doesn’t matter who you vote for because in the end, the MPs don’t keep to their promises.

"I was born in Southampton and moved back here six years ago, and if it was possible I would turn things back to the 1960s."

Who are tellers? 

When you arrive at a polling station, there may be people with clipboards and party rosettes standing outside.

These are called tellers and work for political parties to help keep track of how voting is going.

You may be asked for your poll number and who you will/have voted for by the tellers.

But, you are under no obligation to provide them with this information as voting is private.

MP candidates out voting 

POLLS ARE OPEN!

It’s been a pleasure to have served for the last four years. Polls close at 10pm. I’ve just been to Drummond Road to vote. I’m the only candidate with a solid plan for our area. Please go and vote for me to serve you for another five years as your LOCAL MP. pic.twitter.com/5BZ9R14r2f

— Paul Holmes (@pauljholmes) July 4, 2024

Lovely to meet voters in Thruxton this morning - including a first time Conservative voter after a lifetime of voting Labour! pic.twitter.com/eABlR9X8S0

— Caroline Nokes (@carolinenokes) July 4, 2024

I’ve voted! (No prizes for guessing who got my vote😄)

🗳️Make sure you have your say today, and vote for change.#VoteLabour🌹🇬🇧#GE24 pic.twitter.com/hebZLsOBBx

— Darren Paffey (@darrenpaffey) July 4, 2024

Candidate profiles

Want to learn more about the candidates before voting today?

Read our profiles below. 

• Candidate profiles for Southampton Itchen - in their own words
• Candidate profiles for Southampton Test – in their own words
• Candidate profiles for Romsey and Southampton North

What time do polls close today?

The polls will be open from 7am to 10pm today for those voting in person, with the counting of votes beginning as soon as they close.

Cliff Havard, 74, tells me he would like the new Southampton Itchen MP to scrap the Itchen Bridge toll.

“Everyone promises the world, however, and don’t deliver, so I’m grateful for anything”, he added. pic.twitter.com/e3t2xkIicB

— Maya (@journo_maya) July 4, 2024

Good morning Southampton!

I’m currently outside the most picturesque polling station in the city to chat with voters. #generalection2024

Let’s hope for some dogs at polling stations too… pic.twitter.com/f6pwNtvnGz

— Maya (@journo_maya) July 4, 2024

Here are some key questions about the general election 👇

Voter ID - don't forget

People voting today will need ID. It is the first time voters need to take it with them for a general election.

A full list of approved ID are:

• a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
• a driving licence issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
• a UK passport
• a passport issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
• a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• a Blue Badge
• a biometric residence permit (BRP)
• a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
• a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• a Voter Authority Certificate
• an Anonymous Elector’s Document
• an older person’s bus pass
• a disabled person’s bus pass
• an Oyster 60+ card
• a Freedom Pass
• a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
• a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• a Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass

Dogs at polling stations

We have our first dog at polling stations - Elmo.

(Image: Newsquest)

The cockapoo accompanied his owners to vote in West End this morning, which falls under Eastleigh. 

No word yet on who he thinks is a paw-fect candidate...

Where is my nearest polling station?

Let's start with some important information.

There are more than 70 polling stations in operation across the Southampton Test and Southampton Itchen seats.

Click here or see below to look at our handy map showing the locations. 

Good morning.

Polling stations in and around Southampton opened at 7am today.

We'll be bringing you the latest.