ELECTIONEERING is set to begin in earnest for a poll which could tip the balance of power on Swindon Council.
The last nominations are now in for the May 1 election which will see 20 of the council's 59 seats contested.
Labour is currently in power as a minority administration with 28 seats, the Conservatives have 23 and the Liberal Democrats eight.
So it will only take a few wards to change hands in order to alter the council balance of power.
The three main political parties are contesting all 20 wards.
And several areas will have a fourth candidate to choose from.
They are: UK Independence Party in Moredon and Western Wards, the Green party in Old Town, UK People Before Profit in Central and Socialist Alliance in Penhill. As with last May's elections voters with have the opportunity to vote in a variety of ways.
From April 24-30 electors can cast their vote via the internet, interactive TV or by telephone using the personal identification number on their ballot slip.
Voters can also make their views known by post and in the traditional manner on polling day itself from 8am to 9pm on May 1.
In the borough area of Swindon Highworth Town Council and Wroughton Parish Council will also be holding elections.
Haydon Wick, Stratton St Margaret and Chiseldon parish councils have not had sufficient candidates to fill the councils so elections won't be held.
Instead the councils will advertise for local people willing to fill the vacant council chairs.
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