What you need to know on polling day

This guide should give you the basics for anyone voting in today’s general election:

- If you haven’t registered to vote (including by post or proxy - except an emergency proxy, see below), it’s too late. http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/upcoming-elections-and-referendums/uk-parliamentary-general-election" title="Check to see if you are registered at aboutmyvote.co.uk">Check to see if you are registered at aboutmyvote.co.uk.

- You should have received a polling card with your details, polling number and your polling station location.

- You don’t need the polling card when you go to vote, they will ask for your name and address to check you are registered.

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

- Find your polling station using your postcode at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/uk-general-election-2015/where-is-my-polling-station" title="the About My Vote website">the About My Vote website.

- You can take your pet with you.

- Polling station staff cannot refuse a voter if they are drunk or under the influence of drugs.

- You cannot discuss politics inside the polling station, or wear a party rosette - unless you are a candidate.

- You can apply to vote by emergency proxy up until 5pm on election day for medical reasons or if your job or service means that you cannot make it to your polling station in person, more details on http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/uk-general-election-2015/i-cant-get-to-a-polling-station-to-vote-what-should-i-do" title="the About My Vote website">the About My Vote website.

- It is against the law to reveal how someone else has voted, so be careful on social media.

To see our guide to all candidates standing in Portsmouth North, Portsmouth South, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Meon Valley and East Hampshire, as well as candidates for the local elections click here.

To find out which issues are most important to people in the lead-up to the election - both regionally and nationally - visit www.whatmatterstome.co.uk/home

Don’t forget to vote!