{
  "id": 737081,
  "title": "Polls open in Clacton by-election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/polls-open-in-clacton-by-election",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T05:50:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp308xpwv34o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Thursday, voters in Clacton will head to polling stations to elect a new MP. The process begins at 07:00 BST. The constituency of Clacton boasts a large electorate of 79,785 registered voters. This is the highest number of candidates ever to stand in a British election, with 34 candidates competing for the seat.\n\nThe election will be held across 51 polling stations, covering Clacton and nearby towns such as Jaywick, Frinton, and Walton-on-the-Naze. The area also includes rural villages like St Osyth, Weeley, and Great Bentley.\n\nTo vote, voters must present a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport. The ballot paper for Clacton will be the longest in British electoral history, stretching 90cm (about 3 feet) in length.\n\nA total of 12 political parties and 20 independents are fielding candidates. Polling stations will remain open until 22:00, with the counting process taking place overnight.",
  "summary": "Voters will choose between 34 candidates - the most to stand in any British parliamentary election.",
  "key_points": [
    "Polls open at 07:00 BST for Clacton by-election",
    "34 candidates contesting the single seat",
    "Longest ballot paper in British electoral history"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}