Norfolk goes to the polls today to decide who should represent the people at County Hall, and the electorate have been urged to make their vote count.

Every one of the 84 divisions on Norfolk County Council is up for grabs and tomorrow the candidates and the voters will discover the winners and losers.

The current political make-up of Norfolk County Council is: Conservative 58, Liberal Democrat 9, Green 6, Labour 5, UKIP 1, Independent Liberal Democrat 1, Independent 1, Non-aligned 1, with two vacancies.

And the message to Norfolk people is, whichever party you support, make sure you head to the ballot box to make your vote count.

Phillippa Saray, of the independent elections watchdog, The Electoral Commission, said: 'We want everyone who is eligible to vote to be able to vote on polling day.

'That's why we run campaigns which help people know how to register and the different ways they can cast their vote. But what makes people choose to vote on the day is the candidates, and their policies.'

Candidates and party leaders echoed the call for people to vote.

Bill Borrett, Conservative group leader, who is standing in Elmham and Mattishall, said: 'This election is not about national politics; it's about who runs Norfolk's services for you and your family. Don't waste your vote, have your say.'

Richard Bearman, leader of the Green group and his party's candidate in Norwich's Mancroft division, said: 'Voting on May 2 is for your Norfolk county councillor, not your MP.

'I urge you to cast your vote for the best person who is able to represent your local views at County Hall and look at their track record in raising issues that affect your community.'

Stephen Heard, standing as an independent in Wroxham, said: 'I would urge everyone not to waste the opportunity to exercise your vote and reinforce the democracy that this country should cherish, particularly when considering the fight to secure democracy in those countries that are not so lucky to have it.'

George Nobbs, leader of the Labour group, who is standing in Norwich's Crome ward, said: 'This is probably the most significant county council election of recent times. The issues are clear. We don't have to make do with poor school results, second-rate roads and low job prospects.

'Throughout our history, we in Norfolk have been on the side of progress and against resignation to our lot, so today we can all play our part in making Norfolk 'do different' once again.'

Mike Brindle, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: 'Please use your vote. It is the best way to tell councillors what you really want.'

Michael Baker, from UKIP, who is standing in Holt, said: 'Whomever you vote for, please vote. Our fore-fathers have fought and died for your democratic rights; the suffragettes waged a campaign for women to have the vote; today there are wars around the world to establish democracy. Remember the old saying, 'use it or lose it'.'

Polling stations opened at 7am and will remain open until 10pm. Polling station staff are not allowed to issue someone with a ballot paper for the elections after 10pm, even if they arrive earlier and are in a queue.

People do not need to take their polling card to the polling station, or any identification, but must give their name and address.

Postal voters who have forgotten to send them back can still hand deliver their votes up to 10pm on polling day. Postal votes are counted at the same time as votes cast in polling stations.

For a full list of candidates, visit www.edp24.co.uk and www.eveningnews24.co.uk

The count tomorrow will take place at a number of locations across the county, and is due to start at 9am.

Make sure you visit www.edp24.co.uk and www.eveningnews24.co.uk from 9am tomorrow for the results as they come in and get the paper on Saturday for a full round-up and reaction.