AROUND 6,000 postal votes have already been cast ahead of today’s elections in Hertsmere as the council’s chief executive predicted a “moderate” turnout.

Hertsmere Borough Council confirmed the votes were out of a potential 9,700 as voters set out to elect through the traditional ballot box at polling stations from 7am today.

Thirteen seats are up for election at Hertsmere Borough Council, while all seats are up for election on both Aldenham Parish Council and Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council.

The electorate will also be asked to choose whether the UK should adopt the alternative vote (AV) system for choosing MPs.

The council has promoted AV voting through for and against leaflets sent to each household in the borough.

Returning officer and the council’s chief executive, Dr Donald Graham, said: "Overall turnout last year was about 64 per cent for the borough, but that was because of the general election which encourages more people to come out and vote.

“Usually fewer people turn out for local elections, so I am expecting a moderate turnout this time, perhaps around the mid 30 per cent mark.

"In all the polling stations I have visited so far today there have been no, or very few, questions asked around the alternative vote system.

“There are leaflets in each booth giving information about it, which are very clear, so there do not seem to be any issues so far - people seem to understand."

At Borehamwood Baptist Church, in Furzehill Road, voters were also concerned with turnout.

Jo Brady, 83, from Borehamwood, said: “I’m a bit disillusioned with it all and often politicians are all a load of talk but voting is very important.

“Young people especially need to get out there and get their vote in because they’re the ones who it will affect in the future. I have always voted although I’m not too sure about AV as I don’t know very much about it.”

Alan Lewis, 67, from Coleridge Way, said young people should be encouraged to vote in the elections.

He said: “All votes are important. If people don’t bother voting then they can’t complain afterwards.

“I prefer AV and the voting system does matter but as to how many people will come out and vote either way is unpredictable.”

Jo Kay, 71, from Tennison Avenue, Borehamwood, volunteered for a shift this morning to stand at the entrance of the polling station at the church.

She said: “People are trickling in at the moment but it may pick up later. There were about two youngsters who have come in to vote so far.

“Last year a lot of people came in after work so I think that’s what will happen. It’s when people have more time to vote.

“I’ve had a few people come and ask about AV and I’ve told them I can’t obviously influence their vote. People are interested but we’ll see what happens with the turnout.

“Weather is a great factor I’ve noticed over the years. It has to be just right. If it’s too cold or very hot and sunny then people tend to leave it but if it’s just right then they will go out and vote.”

Stations will close at 10pm, followed by a verification of how many papers have been returned at Allum Hall, in Allum Lane, Elstree.

The count for the local election will start tomorrow, Friday, at midday, with results expected to be called between about 2pm and 3pm, at the same venue.

The count for the national referendum will begin at 4pm with the Electoral Commission expected to announce the results over the weekend.