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Voters head to the polls for Makerfield by-election
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People living in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield are heading to the polls to elect their new MP. More than 30 polling stations across the parliamentary constituency opened at 07:00 BST and will close at 22:00, after which the count will take place. The result is expected early on Friday. There are 14 candidates standing in the by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. It is one of three Westminster by-elections taking place, with voters in the Scottish constituencies of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South also heading to the polls after their MPs stood down to take up posts as MSPs following May's Holyrood elections. Voters have been reminded to bring a valid form of identification with them. A passport, driving licence, bus pass, blue badge and a voter authority certificate are all accepted. Photo IDs that are out of date can still be used if the image still looks like you. Photocopies are not permitted. The full list of candidates for the Makerfield by-election (in alphabetical order by surname) are: Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.