Polls open for local elections in Kent

Some 800 polling stations in Kent have opened for the 2025 local council elections.
Voters have until 22:00 BST on Thursday to decide who will control Kent County Council for the next four years.
All 72 electoral divisions across the county are up for election, equating to 81 councillors in total.
Voters will need to bring a form of photo ID with them to cast their ballot, such as a driving licence or passport. Copies will not be accepted.
In the last county council election in 2021, the Conservatives won 49% of the vote, securing 61 seats.
In terms of seats won, the Liberal Democrats came second with six, Labour got five and the Green Party secured four.
Reform UK did not win any seats.
Kent County Council is responsible for a wide range of services in education, transport, social care, libraries, housing, planning applications, council tax collections and waste.
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