PEOPLE are being encouraged to cast their votes in elections taking place today (Thursday, May 6).

A couple of local elections are being held in Somerset West and Taunton, as well as the Avon and Somerset Police Crime and Commissioner poll.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

There is a Somerset West and Taunton Council by-election in Trull, Pitminster and Corfe.

The candidates there in alphabetical order are Samuel Booker (Labour); Dawn Johnson (Liberal Democrat); and John Thorne (Conservative).

WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR?

There is also an election in the Alcombe South ward on Minehead Town Council, where the candidates are Anthony Berry (Independent) and Roger Thomas (Conservative).

The Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election is being contested by Cleo Lake (Green); Kerry Barker (Labour); Heather Shearer (Liberal Democrat); Mark Shelford (Conservative); and John Smith (Independent).