Key facts
- Polls are open in Clacton-on-Sea for a by-election.
- A record 34 candidates are competing for the parliamentary seat.
- The electorate consists of 79,785 registered voters.
- Voters must present acceptable identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Polling stations are open from 07:00 BST to 22:00 BST.
Polls have opened in Clacton-on-Sea, a constituency in Essex, for a by-election to determine the town's next Member of Parliament. A record 34 candidates are contesting the seat, with 79,785 registered voters eligible to participate. Voters are required to present acceptable forms of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to cast their ballot. The ballot paper, measuring approximately 90cm, is the longest in British electoral history. Polling stations are open from 07:00 BST until 22:00 BST, with the vote count scheduled to take place overnight. Among the candidates is Nigel Farage, representing Reform UK.