Is Sunderland in the running?
acting returning officer, said: "As usual, Sunderland will be looking to run an accurate and efficientcountthattheelectorate and candidates can all have confidence in.
"It isn’t about declaring first, it is about delivering an efficient and organised count.
“Our early declarations are because of meticulous planningandprocessesexecutedby agreatteamwhoareextremely well organised."
Around240peoplewereinvolved in the counting process at Sunderland’s election count two years ago with sixth form pupils used to deliver boxes of votes to their tables.
ThecountforSunderland's three Parliamentary constituencies, Houghton and Sunderland South, Sunderland Central and Washington and Sunderland West, is again at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre.
This is where the previous three General Election counts were held as well as recent city council,EuropeanParliament and Northumbria Police and CrimeCommissionerscounts and declarations.
Anyone not yet registered to vote has until Tuesday, November 26, to do so and until 5pm on the same day to apply for a postal vote.
There are so far 204,209 people on Sunderland's register and 85,601 of them have registered for a postal vote.
Mr Melia said: "I would encourage everyone in Sunderland to take action now if they’ve not already registered to vote. It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of Tuesday, November 26, it will be too late.”
Anyonewhohasnotyetregistered to vote should contact thecouncil'selectoralservices team on (0191) 5205550 or register online at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote