Record 34 candidates contest Clacton by-election as polls open

The Clacton by-election polls have opened, marking a historic contest with a record 34 candidates vying for the parliamentary seat. A total of 79,785 registered voters across Clacton and the neighboring towns of Jaywick, Frinton, and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as surrounding rural villages, are eligible to cast their ballots. Electors will be issued the longest ballot paper ever seen in a British election, measuring approximately 90cm (3ft) in length. The ballot features candidates from 12 political parties and 20 independent hopefuls. Voters are required to present acceptable forms of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, before they can cast their vote. Polling stations across the constituency opened their doors at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 10 p.m. tonight. The process of counting the votes will commence immediately after the polls close, with the results expected to be determined overnight. The large number of candidates reflects a diverse range of political viewpoints and independent interests within the constituency.