What are these elections?

Elections are being held across England for nearly 250 councils, including Swindon Borough Council.

There are more than 8,000 seats being contested, with 19 of those in Swindon, with only one ward here, Ridgeway not having an election

What does Swindon Borough Council do?

Everything. Everything a county council and district council does, from collecting the rubbish, to deciding on planning applications and awarding licenses to pubs and restaurants to looking after vulnerable children and providing care for the elderly and adults who need extra help.

Do these elections matter?

Yes. Do you want more solar farms or fewer? What about a housing estate on those fields? What should happen to all that plastic waste we produce at home?Should the street near you be a 20mph zone? How do we make the town centre a more vibrant and successful place? All these are decisions to be made by councillors

And the council is close, the Conservatives have held the council since 2004 and they have 30 seats, compared to Labour's 24, two Lib Dems and one, formerly Labour, independent.

But there are 11 Tory seats, seven Labour and that independent up for grabs today. If the Conservatives lose two seats, they lose their majority.

How do I vote?

Go to the polling station on the card you've been sent. (You don't have to take the card, but it would help)

Give your name to the teller, and you'll get a voting paper to take to the booth.

Stations open at 7am and close at 10pm