VOTERS across the conurbation took to the polling stations yesterday, for elections the majority of them probably thought would never take place.

Preparations to take part in the European parliamentary elections only started after the EU agreed a Brexit delay until the end of October.

The government had hoped a Brexit deal would have been agreed before then, but as the stalemate continued the UK found itself legally obliged to take part.

Six members of the European Parliament will be elected in the South West region, which has an electorate – according to March 2019 figures – of 4,116,003.

Across the BCP Council area there were 170 polling stations open yesterday, although some were split stations in the same buildings.

The Daily Echo spoke to voters across the conurbation.

Robin Carter Jones, from Poole, said: "I think it is important to vote because we are a democracy and the European elections are important, because with the way Brexit is going, no-one knows if we are staying in or out.

"If we stay in these elections will have been really important.

"No, I didn't think we would be having these elections at all."

Meanwhile, Bridget Clements, from Parkstone, said: "My mother always made sure we voted because she was from the generation where her aunt was a suffragette.

"So I have voted in every election since 1964.

"I'm hoping there are some representatives of the parties there. I want to know that if we have another referendum, what will it be then – the best of three?

"Brow beaten until we get the vote they want."

Bridget's husband, David, echoed the importance of coming out to vote.

He said: "One of the only things we have in life is the fundamental right to vote, that is what people fought wars and died for.

"I just think at the moment we are in a situation of chaos, politicians don't seem to be taking any notice of what the people want."

Meanwhile, Bournemouth voter Marc Walker said: "We didn't think we'd be getting the chance to vote, which make this even more important. This will give the parties a better idea of what the people think about Brexit at this point in time."

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn are predicted to face a drubbing at the polling booths.

The Conservative and Labour parties are predicted to suffer severe losses, with the Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party likely to hoover up votes.

Seventy three MEPs will be elected to represent the UK, using a form of proportional representation called the D'Hondt system.

Results will not be announced until Sunday evening when the last polling station on the continent closes.

England is split into nine regions: South East England has 10 MEPs, London and North West England each have eight, East of England and the West Midlands each have seven, Yorkshire and the Humber and South West England have six each, the East Midlands has five and North East England has three.

Scotland has six MEPs, Wales four and Northern Ireland three.

Estimated costs for the European elections, which take place every five years, are around £150 million for the UK.

The new European parliament will meet for the first time in July, with MEPs being sworn in.