Fifty-one polling stations opened in the Clacton constituency in Essex on Thursday, giving 79,785 registered voters the opportunity to choose from 34 candidates — the largest field ever to stand in a British election — to fill the town's vacant parliamentary seat.
Clacton-on-Sea by-election opens with record 34 candidates on ballot
Fifty-one polling stations opened in the Clacton constituency in Essex on Thursday, giving 79,785 registered voters the opportunity to choose from 34 candidates — the largest field ever to stand in a British election — to fill the town's vacant parliamentary seat.
The 34 candidates represent 12 political parties and 20 independents. To accommodate all names, voters will receive a ballot paper measuring 90 centimetres — approximately three feet — described as the longest in British electoral history.
Polling stations cover Clacton-on-Sea and the surrounding towns of Jaywick, Frinton, and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as rural villages including St Osyth, Weeley, and Great Bentley.
Voters are required to present an acceptable form of photo identification, such as a driver's licence or passport, before casting a ballot.
Polling stations are open until 22:00, with vote-counting scheduled to take place overnight.
- The source does not identify which seat became vacant or the reason for the by-election.
- No candidates are named, and no polling or campaign context is provided.
- The source does not state when the by-election was called or the date on which voting is taking place.
- No information is given on which parties or independent candidates are among the 34 standing.