'This is a pivotal general election': BCP residents cast their votes

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 (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.”

Littledown (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 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!”