RESIDENTS across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have started casting their votes in the general election.

Voters took to the conurbation’s 166 polling stations as doors opened at 7am on Thursday.

A total of 35 candidates are standing in the general election across the five constituencies which cover the BCP Council area.

The Daily Echo visited a number of polling stations in Bournemouth on Thursday morning to speak to those casting the all-important votes.

At St Luke’s Church in Winton, there was a queue of voters at the door before 7am.

Nick Hudson-Cook was there voting in his second election since becoming a British citizen eight years ago.

Nick Hudson-Cook voted at St Luke’s Church Nick Hudson-Cook voted at St Luke’s Church (Image: NQ)

He described the 2024 general election as ‘pivotal’, adding: “This one is a particularly important election, I think, because it will decide the direction of the country, really, so people have to vote.

“I wish voting was compulsory, actually.”

Beth Price, another voter at St Luke’s, said: “I just feel, if we want to have a say in how the country is run and what policies are important to us, then we need to have our say at the ballot, whether that’s voting for a party, coming to spoil the paper, whatever.”

LittledownLittledown (Image: NQ)

Elsewhere at the Littledown centre, voter Beth Barclay said: “I just think it’s important to vote, because obviously people died for women to have the vote but also you’ve got to try and have your say whether it’s a true vote or if it’s a tactical vote.”

Voter Callum Smith added: “Everyone should vote, if you’ve got a say in something you should have your say in it. Personally, I think a lot of people won’t vote just because they’re felt let down by a lot of politics, I think that will be a big change this year.”

Bournemouth East Conservative candidate Tobias Ellwood at the polling stationBournemouth East Conservative candidate Tobias Ellwood at the polling station (Image: NQ)

At St Saviour’s Church, Bournemouth East Conservative candidate Tobias Ellwood was present, alongside a steady stream of voters.

Voters were also filing into St Andrew’s United Reform Church, including pair Alex and Phillip.

Phillip said he was a regular voter, while Alex said it was only her second time voting.

“I’d like to see some change.” Alex said. Phillip added: “We’re going to get it whether we like it or not!”