Voters head to the Island's polling stations on Thursday, to pick the next crop of Isle of Wight Council members, and to elect those who want to sit on our town and parish councils.

The delayed election for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will also be held.

So, with Covid-19 safety a priority, what can we expect on May 6? 

Here is what you need to know about casting your vote on Thursday....

1. Voting in person

If you are choosing to vote in person, there will be safety measures in place at polling stations.

These will include a one-way system, and restrictions on the number of people allowed inside at one time.

You will need to wear a face covering, follow social distancing rules and (if you can) bring your own pen, or pencil.

A polling card should already have dropped through your letter box, telling you where your local polling station is.

You do not need to take with it you in order to cast your votes, however.

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm.

2. What if I have Covid-19 symptoms?

If you cannot go out and vote, because you are required to isolate, you can name a proxy - a person to vote in your place. The correct forms must be filled out, but you can do that until 5pm on voting day.

  • CLICK HERE for how to apply for a proxy, or to change your proxy if your nominated person is required to self-isolate.

3. Maybe you are voting by post?

It is too late to apply to vote by post.

However, if you have already got your paperwork, it needs to be received by the Isle of Wight Council by 10pm, on May 6.

The advice is not to wait until the last minute to send it, and to consider using a guaranteed delivery option, to ensure your vote is counted.

4. What will we be voting for?

The Isle of Wight Council sits at County Hall, Newport and there are 39 members this year - fewer than last time, due to a shake-up of the ward boundaries.

  • CLICK HERE for a full list of the candidates running in the ward where you live

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) oversees how local police forces are meeting the needs of the community.

In the Isle of Wight's case, that's Hampshire Constabulary. 

Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton's PCC is one of 41 across England and Wales.

Town and Parish Council members will also be elected on Thursday.

These are the people who gather at the town or village hall near you.

5. When will we know who has won?

We are expecting the results of the Isle of Wight Council election on Friday.

We will learn the names of the 39 ward councillors and, depending on what party they represent, or whether they are independent, it will give us a good idea of who might be in a position to control decision making over the next few years.

We won't know who has won seats on the Island's town and parish councils until Saturday.

The Isle of Wight Council Press will have reporters at both counts and will bring you the very latest on our website and via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • CLICK HERE for all our politics stories and to read more about what to consider before making your mark.