Sunderland sets out to make its choice

It’s the day when Sunderland gets to have its say. Throughout the day, up to 10pm tonight, people across Wearside will be heading to their nearest polling station to cast their vote in the local elections.

More than 120 candidates from across the political spectrum are contesting 28 seats across 25 wards, each hoping they will be the name chosen on your ballot paper. Votes will be counted through the night with the Echo’s reporting team working through the night to bring you the results as they happen.

Of the 28 seats that are up for grabs in the Civic Centre, Labour is defending 21 of them, with four vacant, two held by the Conservatives and one by the Liberal Democrats.

How will our council look after the votes are cast? We should hopefully know on Friday morning.

All eyes will be on the turn-out too. With more than 200,000 people registered to vote on Wearside, how many will exercise their democratic right? And with more than two fifths of the city’s electorate having selected the option of a postal ballot, how will COVID-19 impact upon voter numbers at polling stations? The answers to these questions are as eagerly awaited as the results.

The Echo does not make predictions on such matters. But we can guarantee one thing. Whoever is elected to serve as your representatives in the city, no matter the colour of their rosette, we will continue to hold them to account and ensure they do their very best to serve the people who put them in positions of responsibility. That has always been our pledge to you, our readers.