We asked voters in our area why they were voting today.

Poole

Sarah Macinnis, 40, said: “I haven't voted before, but I am this time. My children are five and eight and I can't get them into the same school - so that is motivating me and has got me interested. I also think more needs to be done to support disabled people in the community.”

Robert James, 67, of Poole, said he thinks it is important to vote in order to have influence over important issues such as the NHS, education and immigration, adding: “I have always voted and now I have retired I am motivated by things that affect me but I also I think about what may affect my family and in particular my grandchildren.”

Sally Grant, 74, said: “We live in a democracy and I think we are lucky - we can change our government without revolution which in many parts of the world simply isn't possible. I don't like that they are making cuts that affect disabled people and the closing of day centres - this is our opportunity to have a say on it.”

David Walker, 71, said: “I know a lot of younger people are apathetic about voting, and to a certain extent I can sympathise given how similar all the main politicians come across, but getting to the ballot box is the only way we'll ever change things.”

Laura Turner, 34, said: “I'm voting because you only get a chance to do it once in every five years - and if you are concerned about the NHS or education then I think it's your duty to have your say.”

Mid Dorset

Violet Franklin, 80, of Broadstone, said: “If people don't vote they have no reason to complain about who gets in. That said I haven't completely made up my mind yet who I'm going to vote for in the general election - I think there is very little difference between the main parties.”

Ken Corio said he has been unhappy about the election campaigns focus on immigration and is motivated more by issues such as health and education, adding: “I will be there at 7am voting - if you don't vote there is no use complaining about what you've got. I want a government that is able to be decisive and isn't hamstrung.”

University student EJ Evans, 19, of Corfe Mullen, said: “Being a female, I think it is really important - women fought for us to have the vote and people who don't do it make what they did in vain. For me the most important issue is tuition fees.”

Karen Skinner, 42, who works in Broadstone as a service leader for disabled people, said the NHS was the most important issue for her, adding: “I saw something on the internet regarding how many people don't vote - and what happens to that vote. I am not that into politics but I think it is good to take the opportunity to have a say when given the chance.”

Bournemouth East

Retired Annette Lovesy, 69, said: “My daughter had said it's all the same whoever you vote for - but nothing changes and you can't complain if you don't. We must remember that women fought to have the vote - we are lucky to have it and should use it.”

Christine O'Hanlon, 60, of Southbourne, said: “I think if you care about the future of your country then you should vote. It is not just about issues affecting you as an individual; it is about having a fair and balanced society. For me, my biggest local concern is caring properly for the environment.”

Adrian Aldridge, 36, who works in the charity sector, said he has been motivated to go to the ballot box after seeing the damage done by previous governments, adding: "For me the economy is the most important issue - if you can get that right everything else follows.”

Mark Rushworth, 56, of Southbourne, said: “I have just had an operation so I know how vital the health service can be, so for me that is the most important issue - I want to see those standards maintained."

Bournemouth West

Pensioner Linda Reilly said: “If you don't vote you have no say in who governs this country. And from a woman's point of view we have only had the vote for under 100 years. Housing is really important - my son would love to get on the property ladder but it's a struggle as things are.”

First-time voter Phoebe Tunstill, 20, a Bournemouth University student, said: “I have been influenced by my parents, and will be voting, but to be honest I think there are a lot of students who won't or don't know how to. But it's all important, from tuition fees to the way the benefits systems works, border controls and the NHS - you have to have your say.”

Support worker Lucy Shearman, 25, said: “Even if you vote for a party you know isn't going to get in at least they will see the support going to that party - and the bigger parties might take on some of those views. It can take a long time to change things, but you have to start somewhere.”

Recent Bournemouth University graduate Matthew Snow, 22, said: “You can protest by not voting but no one is going to know. In some constituencies it can be so close and really make a difference.”