What time do polling stations close tonight, and how do I vote?

The 2019 general election polling day has arrived, offering voters a chance to have their say on how the country is run.

But where can you find your nearest polling station, what are the opening and closing times, and do you need your polling card to vote? Here is everything you need to know about how to vote today.

When is the 2019 UK general election?

The general election takes place today, Dec 12 2019. The votes will choose a total of 650 people to become members of Parliament (MPs), who will decide how to proceed with Brexit.

Usually general elections are held every five years, but this will be the third since 2015.

Who is eligible to vote?

Anyone aged 18 or over can vote in today's general election, so long as they are registered and a British citizen or qualifying citizen of the Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland. You must also be resident at an address in the UK, or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the past 15 years.

How do I find my local candidates?

To see who is standing in your part of the country, visit the Who Can I Vote For? website.

Where do I go to vote today?

You can't just turn up at any polling station - you can only vote at the one you're assigned to.

You should have received your polling card through the post telling you where to vote. It will include the name and address of your designated polling station. These are often set up in places such as school halls, village community centres or churches.

What time do the polling stations open and close today?

Polling booths will be open between 7am and 10pm today.

When do we find out the general election 2019 exit poll and results?

Counting of votes will begin after the polls close at 10pm. Each vote is counted and check by hand.

At 10pm tonight, the exit poll will be announced by Huw Edwards. Based on interviews with voters outside polling stations, this will give the first indication of who might have won the general election.

Constituencies will then begin announcing results through the night and early hours of the morning. To find out when your constituency is expected to declare its result, read our hour-by-hour timetable of the night here.

Who should I vote for?

For a breakdown on what we know about each party's manifesto so far, head to our manifesto watch here.

Still unsure who to vote for? If you're thinking of voting tactically to get your preferred Brexit outcome, try our tactical voting guide to get our recommendation on whether voting tactically could actually affect your seat.

Do I need my polling card to vote?

The polling card is for your information only - while many people choose to bring it along to the polling station, you do not need to take it and you can still vote if you have misplaced it.

I definitely didn't receive a polling card

It's probably because you didn't register to vote before the Tuesday Nov 26 deadline, which means you can't vote today. Remember to register next time.

How do I vote today?

Step one: Go to your local polling station

If you need assistance getting to the polling station, contact your electoral registration office to find out if they can help. You can also ask to have a companion with you when you vote, or staff in the polling station may be able to help you.

Tell the staff inside the polling station your name and address so they can check that you are on the electoral register.

Polling station staff are representatives of the (Acting) Returning Officer and should act impartially at all times.

Step two: Read your ballot paper

Polling station staff will give you a ballot paper listing the parties and candidates you can vote for.

If you have a visual impairment, you can ask for a special voting device that allows you to vote on your own in secret, or a large print ballot paper.

Step three: Cast your vote

Take your ballot paper into a polling booth so that no one can see how you vote. Read it carefully and follow the instructions. There will be a pencil provided but you can use your own pen if you prefer.

Mark your vote. Do not write anything else on the paper or your vote may not be counted. If you make a mistake don't worry. You can ask for a replacement ballot paper.

Before placing your ballot paper in the ballot box, fold it and show the number and unique identifying mark on the back to the Presiding Officer.

Step four: Submit your paper

Finally, when you have marked your vote, fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box. Do not let anyone see your vote. If you are not clear on what to do, ask the staff at the polling station to help you.

What if I can't get to a polling station today?

If medical reasons or your occupation, service or employment means that you cannot go to the polling station, you have until 5pm tonight to apply to vote by emergency proxy.