Poll: The country is finally having its say

Polling stations around the country are open, as the nation gives its verdict following the four-week general election campaign.

After months of campaigning in key marginals, MPs for 646 constituencies, 529 in England, 59 in Scotland, 40 in Wales and 18 in Northern Ireland, will be chosen in the Westminster election.

All constituencies, with the exception of Staffordshire South where the Liberal Democrat candidate has died, are going to the polls today.

All three main party leaders have voted in their constituencies, having spent weeks touring the country.

In his last election as Labour leader, Tony Blair cast his vote in Sedgefield.

Conservative leader Michael Howard returned to his Folkestone and Hythe constituency to cast his ballot this afternoon.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy voted in Caol, Fort William.

SNP leader Alex Salmond voted in Strichen, Fraserburgh.

Plaid Cymru president Dafydd Iwan cast his vote in Bontnewydd, Caernarfon.

Local elections

A range of local elections are also taking place today.

All 34 county councils in England face elections, with 2,203 seats being contested.

There are also elections for the unitary authorities of Bristol, the Isle of Wight, the Isles of Scilly and Stockton on Tees.

Elections for executive mayors take place in Doncaster, Hartlepool, Stoke and North Tyneside.

In Northern Ireland all 26 local councils are up for election.

There are no local elections in either Scotland or Wales.

Polling stations are open between 7.00am and 10.00pm.