POLLING stations opened in Harrogate and across the country today in the last major test of public opinion before the next General Election.
Harrogate Borough Council has 19 of its 59 seats up for re-election - the only council in North Yorkshire to have local elections this year.
In London, York-born Frank Dobson was waiting to discover the views of voters following his campaign to become the capital's mayor.
Labour's Mr Dobson was fighting off competition from candidates including Independent Ken Livingstone and Conservative Steve Norris.
Harrogate's Liberal Democrat-controlled council cannot change hands as a result of today's local election - although voters could weaken or strengthen the party's grip on the town.
Only 14 of the ruling party's 42 seats were up for election, while four of the Conservative's 15 seats and one of Labour's two were being voted on.
The General Election is expected next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article