It's polling day and voting will be well and truly underway.

In Ealing, a total of 264 candidates will be battling it out for 70 seats across 24 wards.

The results are expected to arrive around 4am in the early hours of Friday (May 6) morning.

How do I find my polling station?

You should have received a polling card if you have a vote.

On this you'll find your polling number and address for where you can cast your vote, at your polling station.

In order to vote you turn up today (Thursday May 5) before 22:00.

Whilst you don't need to bring your polling card with you to vote, it can speed up the process.

If your polling card hasn't turned up and you don't know where your polling station is, contact your local authority's election office.

What if I can't turn up on the day?

The deadline has now passed to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

However, you can still apply for an emergency proxy vote if since the deadline one of the following has happened:

• A medical emergency
• You are away for work
• You're self-isolating because of Covid

You can make the application at any time up until 17:00 on polling day by contacting Ealing Council.

Assistance for the disabled

If you need assistance to vote the presiding officer can mark the paper for you, or a close adult family member or another eligible voter, such as a support worker.

People with visual impairment can request a device that lets them mark their ballot paper.

If a voter cannot enter the polling station due to accessibility issues, the presiding officer may take the ballot paper to them.

Spoiling the ballot

This is permitted and recorded but it will not count for or against any candidate.

Are pets allowed?

Only assistance dogs are allowed into the polling station.

Is political clothing permitted?

There is nothing in law to prevent people from wearing a slogan going into a polling station with the intention of voting.

However they should leave immediately afterwards as campaigning inside polling stations is not permitted.

Discussing candidates

Political discussion is banned inside polling stations.

Staff will intervene if they hear chat about candidates or parties.

Can children come?

Bringing children to the polling station is encouraged, because it is seen as educating them about democracy.

Can I sign my ballot paper?

If your name is identifiable it will not count.

Why do these elections matter?

Local councils are responsible for everything from bins, bus routes to deciding planning applications, tackling climate change and providing mental health services.

Across England more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are up for election.

Due to the sheer number of seats up for grabs the results are likely to paint the clearest picture of the national mood.