Election day 2021: Lincolnshire’s county councillors and police and crime commissioner to be decided at the polls

Voters in South Holland are heading to the polls today to decide who will represent them at Lincolnshire County Council - and who will be the figurehead of the police force.

Polls are now open - with nine county seats to be chosen, as well as the police and crime commissioner.

Both elections were due to be held last year, but were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The county council is responsible for our roads, household waste recycling centres, children’s services, education and the fire service.

Each of the candidates has, in their own words, made their pitch for your votes here.

If you’re unsure which ward you are in, you can find out your existing county councillor here. You’re also able to find out the location of your nearest polling station here.

The police and crime commissioner oversees the strategy and finances of the police and can hire and fire the chief constable.

All five contenders for this role have made their pitch for your votes here.

Voters are asked to make a first and second choice in this election - with the second choices taken into account if no contender wins 50% of the vote in the first round.

You can cast your vote in both elections in the same visit to a polling station. People are being asked to wear a mask when they go to vote and take their own pen or pencil - although pencils should be available should you forget.

Votes are due to be counted in the county elections tomorrow - and the police and crime commissioner ballots should be tallied on Saturday.