AS May 5 draws closer and many will be voting for who they would like to represent them over the next five years, we’ve pulled together all you need to know and what to expect from the local elections on Thursday.

On Thursday, May 5 residents will be voting for the councillors set to represent them as North Yorkshire Council moves into a single-council in April 2023.

Local elections are also set to be held in Hartlepool, Sunderland, Gateshead, Tyneside and Newcastle where a number of seats are up for grabs.

Read more: LISTED: Every candidate you can vote for in North Yorkshire's election next week

What will I be voting for?

In North Yorkshire residents will be able to vote from 90 councillors as to who they want to take them into the new form of local government who will be elected to 89 new divisions.

The 90 councillors voted in this May will serve the final year of the county council and will then automatically serve as part of the single council for the next four years.

The full list of candidates you can vote for in North Yorkshire can be found here

Read more: What you need to know as Teesside town heads to poll for local elections

In Hartlepool a total of 41 candidates will be standing for 13 seats on the local authority up for election.

One councillor will be voted in for each of the 12 wards across the borough, apart from Rural West, where there will be two.

When can I vote?

Polling stations will be open across North Yorkshire and Hartlepool from 7am tomorrow morning until 10pm.

In North Yorkshire, hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance of each polling station and although you don’t have to wear a face covering inside a polling station, it is encouraged.

What happens after I’ve voted

Once polling stations are closed at 10pm on Thursday May 5 the count will begin the following day on Friday May 6.

The count will take place at seven locations across North Yorkshire and locations in Hartlepool.

A verification of votes will take place between 8.30am and 9.30am, however, this will vary by location in North Yorkshire.

Read more: Residents in 'Tory' market town reveal who they'll vote for - and you might be surprised

The estimated start time for the count in North Yorkshire is 11am.

It will then be revealed who has been successfully elected for each ward.

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