THE starting gun has been fired in this year's electoral race in Swindon.

For the next five weeks political hopefuls will be pounding the pavements and banging on doors across town trying to drum up votes in the May 1 elections.

And this time around a number of political heavyweights' seats are up for election.

Seats held by council leader Rod Bluh and cabinet colleagues Peter Greenhalgh, Colin Lovell and Nick Martin are all due for election this year.

As is Liberal Democrat leader Stan Pajak, planning committee chairman Dale Heenan and finance committee chairman Ray Fisher.

The battle is also on for two seats in the Parks ward.

As well as Steve Allsopp facing election, the race is also on for the seat previously held by Labour's Barrie Thompson - who resigned his position earlier this month.

It is expected each ward will generate between four and five candidates running for each available seat.

The race began on Thursday when the council formally opened the period for nominations for seats up for election.

"This year will see traditional borough and council parish elections," said Sally Sprason, election manager at Swindon Council. "Every election has its quirky moments for those of us managing them.

"But this year would, at least so far, appear to be a fairly straightforward affair.

"Which is unusual for us because over the years we have tried out various different voting ideas.

"But this year the Government has put a hold on funding voting pilot schemes while they review their success."

Last year's elections saw the council trial an electronic touchscreen voting system and in 2006 it tried out a new system of postal voting.

But this year there will be no electoral gimmicks.

Swindon Council operates a four-year electoral cycle.

Over three years every seat on the council is contested as one third are put up each year.

In the fourth year there is no election. And then the cycle begins again.

"We do enjoy working elections in this department," said Sally.

"It is a real buzz."

As well as seats on Swindon Council, voters in some parished parts of the borough will also be asked to vote in new parish councils on May 1. Every seat on Bishopstone, Covingham, Liddington and Wanborough parish councils are up for election. The deadline for postal voting for either election is April 16.

For more details on organising a postal vote call 01793 463494.