THE time has arrived for Foresters to have their say on who should be the district’s next Member of Parliament.

Already, many from the Dean will have put their cross next to the box of either incumbent MP Mark Harper, Labour candidate Shaun Stammers, Liberal Democrat Janet Ellard, UKIP’s Ernie Warrender, Green Party representative James Greenwood or independent candidate Julian Burrett.

But in case you haven’t yet done so, here’s a guide on how to vote in the snap election.

Where is my nearest polling station?

There are 21 polling stations across the constituency, with the towns of Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent all hosting more than one each.

Additionally, there are stations in Alvington, Ashleworth, Awre, Aylburton, Beachley, Berry Hill, Birdwood, Blaisdon, Blakeney, Bream, Broadwell, Brockweir, Bromsberrow, Clearwell, Cliffords Mesne, Drybrook, Dymock, English Bicknor, Gorsley, Hartpury, Hignham, Huntley, Joy’s Green, Kempley, Littledean, Longhope, Lydbrook, Maisemore, May Hill, Milkwall, Minsterworth, Mitcheldean, Newnham-on-Severn, Oxenhall, Parkend, Pauntley, Pillowell, Redbrook, Redmarley, Ruardean, Ruardean Hill, Ruardean Woodside, Rudford & Highleadon, Ruspidge, Sedbury, Sling, Soudley, St Briavels, Staunton, Tibberton, Tutshill, Upleadon, Viney Hill, Westbury-on-Severn, Whitecroft, Woolaston and Yorkley.

What time do polling stations close?

Voters are taking to the polling stations across the Forest of Dean constituency in their droves and many will have their attention fixed to the news after doing so.

For many at work throughout the day, the chance to express their democratic right has not yet come.

But they need not worry about not having the opportunity to get to a polling station after a busy day at the office, with all venues open until 10pm.

Do I need my polling card with me when I go to vote?

Having your polling card on your person when you arrive at the polling station makes the life of those present much, much easier.

But do not fret if you’ve left it on the kitchen counter – all you need is your name and address.

When will we know the results of the election?

There is no exact science to announcing an election result – although the constituency of Houghton and Sunderland South have prided themselves on being the first to declare the winner in the last two general elections.

Results there are expected to be announced at 11pm, just an hour after polls close, but Foresters face a much longer wait.

Those counting the votes at Oaklands in Cinderford are estimated to be releasing the result at around 3am, according to a spokesperson at Forest of Dean District Council.

“There’s no guarantee of course, because it may go on longer if there’s a recount,” they said.

“Last time the results were expected at 2am and we declared at 1.45am so it was a little earlier.”The Forester will have a dedicated team on hand to report on results when they arrive. For updates from the count in Cinderford, follow our Twitter page @TheForesterNews