Image source, Getty Images

Polling stations opened today at 0700 and close at 2200 BST.

You can:

• use your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot paper
• wear clothing with political slogans
• take your children with you, but they are not allowed to mark your ballot paper
• vote if you have been drinking as long as you are not disruptive

You cannot:

• vote at a different polling station to the one on your polling card
• take photos inside the polling station
• show anyone your marked ballot paper or tell anyone inside the polling station how you have voted
• discuss candidates or campaign for any party
• take your pets into the polling station, although dogs are sometimes admitted

Read more about the dos and don'ts here.

Image source, .

If you are registered to vote in the May local elections, you will have received a polling card with your polling number and polling station details.

If you are voting in person you can only go to your local polling station and this might not be the closest one to where you live. Also, it might have changed since the last time you voted so check before you go.

You cannot vote at a different polling station, such as one closer to where you work. You can find your polling station online, external.

Polling stations are open between 07:00 and 22:00 BST on election day. If there's a queue, you can still vote as long as you joined it before 22:00.

You do not need to take your polling card with you to vote but will be asked to provide photo ID.

Read more about the elections here.

Image source, BBC News

What is happening at your polling station? Are you and your pets voting today?

You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Upload your pictures and video
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay, external
• Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, external
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

In some cases a selection of your comments and questions will be published, displaying your name and location as you provide it unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published.

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The way Londoners vote for a mayor has changed. This election will be run under the traditional ‘first past the post’ system.

Essentially, this means a single round of votes, no second preference vote and whoever gets the most, wins.

Sadiq Khan is seeking an historic third term as mayor of London having won previous elections in 2016 and 2021.

The London Mayor represents the 8.9 million people living across the city and has a budget of £20.4bn.

The mayor is responsible for Transport for London (TfL) and has some control over roads, policing and housing in the capital.

Londoners will also go to the polls to vote for one of 14 local representatives on the London Assembly and 11-London wide Assembly members to help keep the mayor accountable.

• The candidates vying to be the next London mayor

Damian Grammaticas
Political correspondent

Among the highest profile contests are the by-election in Blackpool South following the resignation of the former Conservative MP there, and there are 11 races for regional mayors with power over transport, housing and strategic planning.

For the first time mayors will be chosen for the East Midlands, the North East and York and North Yorkshire, while in the spotlight will be London, the West Midlands and Tees Valley, where incumbents are hoping to hold on.

More indicative of the national mood, however, may be what happens in the 2,500 seats up for grabs across more than 100 local councils in England, which oversee education budgets, social care and local services.

In England and Wales, local police and crime commissioners will be chosen and it's now a law that photo ID must be shown in order to vote.

And we have our first picture of a dog at a polling station!

This is Wiggles, proudly accompanying her owner to vote in London's Stamford Hill.

Elections for 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are taking place across England and Wales - although not in London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire where the mayor performs this role.

PCCs were introduced in 2012 to replace police authorities, and were intended to make police forces more accountable and responsive to their local community.

They help ensure that police forces function effectively, but do not directly run those forces. PCCs appoint chief constables and can dismiss them, if required.

Some PCCs also oversee local fire services.

• What do police and crime commissioners do?

Local councils are responsible for many public services, including:

• providing care for the elderly and disabled
• fixing potholes on some roads
• collecting rubbish

Some councils are facing a funding crisis, and have put up council tax and cut services as a result.

The type of services a council provide depend on the type of local authority is, as powers vary greatly. Here's a rough guide.

Image source, .

Image source, PA Media

There's also a by-election happening in Blackpool South, where nine candidates are vying to be named the next MP, succeeding former Conservative Scott Benton.

He resigned from the Commons in March following the imposition of a suspension in the wake of a lobbying row.

Candidates aiming to replace Benton include Labour's Chris Webb, the former deputy police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, and public relations businessman David Jones for the Conservatives.

Andrew Cregan is standing for the Liberal Democrats, Ben Thomas for the Green Party, and charity worker Mark Butcher for Reform UK.

Also standing are independent candidate Stephen Black, Damon Sharp of the New Open Non-Political Organised Leadership party, and Kim Knight from the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy.

Howling Laud Hope from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party completes the line-up of candidates.

Since May 2023, voters have had to show a valid form of photo ID at polling stations to vote in person at most elections.

The most common accepted documents are your passport or driving licence, but there are plenty of other options, including a voter authority certificate if you applied in time.

The changes will apply to the next general election too, so even if you're not in one of the two constituencies voting today, it’s worth thinking about whether you've got the right ID.

• You can read more here

Nadia Ragozhina
Live reporter

Good morning and welcome along to our coverage as millions of people across England and Wales go to the polls in local elections.

In total, 107 local councils in England are up for grabs as is the London Assembly.

There are also 11 mayor elections including in the capital and other areas including Greater Manchester, West Midlands, Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, West of England and the Liverpool City region.

People in England and Wales will also elect 37 police and crime commissioners(PCCs).

There are no elections taking place in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Stay with us as we continue our coverage with our team of journalists and correspondents to bring you the latest reaction and analysis.