Staffordshire voters head to local election polls

Polls are open until 22:00 BST, with the count taking place on Friday

Polling stations across Staffordshire have opened for the 2025 local council elections.

All 62 seats on Staffordshire County Council are going before voters, with polls closing at 22:00 BST.

In the last election in 2021, the Conservative Party retained control, winning 57 of the 62 seats.

There is also a by-election for the Norton Canes ward on Cannock Chase District Council.

Staffordshire County Council is responsible for services that apply across the whole of the county. This includes things like education, transport, social care and libraries.

Other areas like housing, planning applications, council tax collections and rubbish collections fall to district, borough, and city councils.

Where can I vote in person?

Use our tool to find out who your candidates are and where you can vote.

What you can and cannot do in a polling booth

We have a great guide on what you can and cannot do in a polling booth, but here are some of the most important things you need to know:

• You need to take valid photo ID with you

• You can only vote at your local polling station, so it is important you find out where you need to go - this might not be the same as in previous elections

• Polling stations are open between 07:00 and 22:00 - you can vote after 22:00 as long as you were already in the queue

• Taking photos inside a polling station is not permitted - but you can take photos outside

• Animals, apart from assistance dogs, are not usually allowed in polling stations

• Bringing children to the polling station is encouraged, but they are not allowed to mark your vote on the ballot paper

What can I do if I won't be able to vote in person?

The deadlines to register to vote, request a postal vote or apply for a proxy vote have all passed.

However, if you are already on the electoral roll and realise at the last minute that you will not be able to vote in person as planned, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 17:00 on polling day.

Your proxy - the person nominated to vote on your behalf - must also already be registered to vote.

When will the election results be known?

Staffordshire County Council's count will take place at Keele University on Friday.

Only authorised attendees are allowed access.

The BBC will be reporting what happens live, with results expected by Friday evening.

Staffordshire Council will also post the results for each division on its website.