VOTING began this morning in the 2008 Senatorial election.

The 21 candidates will be hoping for a good turnout despite the slightly ominous weather conditions. Polls opened at 8 am and will close tonight at 8 pm, but it’s likely to take until after midnight for all the votes across the Island to be counted.

Early signs in St Brelade this morning were that turnout was more or less the same as the last elections — and around ten people were queuing outside Rouge Bouillon School to vote in Jersey’s biggest district, St Helier No 3. Voters do not need photographic identification to cast their ballot, but may be asked for some kind of ID — but it is more than likely that those turning up without proof of identity will be allowed to vote.

Apart from the six Senatorial places, elections are also being held in St Clement, St Lawrence, St Mary and St Peter to choose new Constables, and all Islanders are being asked what they think of plans to move to Central European Time in a referendum.

» Follow the results here on thisisjersey as they are announced.

• Picture: Three ballot boxes in St Clement for Senators, CET and Constables. Picture by Rob Currie