As the tightest election race in a generation kicked off this morning, there were surprisingly few voters coming through the doors of one Epsom polling station.
But in the marketplace and the Ashley Centre, all 10 people interviewed by this newspaper said that they had already voted or planned to do so later.
Many also expressed frustration at the length of this year’s campaign and the prospect of another coalition government or even another general election.
Joe Fiuza, chairman of Epsom and Ewell Conservative Association and agent for Tory incumbent Chris Grayling, was stationed at the polling station at the Epsom Playhouse in Town Ward.
Mr Fiuza said they only had 127 voters between 7am and 9am this morning even though more than 3,500 people are registered to vote at the polling station.
Labour's Bill Hodgkiss, RA council candidate Tony Axelrod and Tory Joe Fiuza at the polling station
He said: “Epsom and Ewell may not be that close, but nevertheless it’s a general election. I’m very surprised it’s so quiet. You would expect it to be busier, unless everyone is coming after work.”
When asked about Mr Grayling’s chances in the general election, he said: “I’m not worried about him losing his seat. I think he’s going to be fine.”
And nationally, he said: “I think we are in with a chance of getting a majority, otherwise it risks being a mess.”
Residents’ Association borough council candidate Tony Axelrod was also at the polling station and said the RA feel “very positive” about the local elections.
Mr Axelrod said: “We have done quite a lot of canvassing and had a good reaction from other people. We feel that we have got a solid team to represent local people in town.”
Labour party member Bill Hodgkiss, at the polling station, said: “It will be more interesting after the election and all the shenanigans about who coalesces with who. We may have another coalition.”
James Allen in Epsom marketplace
Over in the marketplace and the Ashley Centre, 10 people from different parts of the political spectrum said they were all exercising their right to vote.
James Allen, from Farnham, who was in the marketplace, said he plans to vote Conservative later today, but said the campaign had left him feeling frustrated.
He said: “I find it a complete mess that one of the parties can’t sort themselves out. We are going to have a hung parliament.”
Lorraine Monk in Epsom marketplace
Another shopper Lorraine Monk, 65, who lives in Sutton constituency, said she plans to vote for Liberal Democrat incumbent Paul Burstow even though she is sceptical about politicians.
Ms Monk said: “I have been satisfied with what they have done locally. I don’t think there will be an outright winner because everyone now sees politicians for what they are. They change with the flow.”
Christina Mills in the Ashley Centre
Epsom resident Christina Mills, 48, said she hopes that Labour wins but she has not followed the election campaign that closely this year.
She said: “It’s too much, on and on and on. I don’t get a chance when I’m working.”
Robert Fray in Epsom marketplace
Robert Fray, who comes from Birmingham and runs a butchers stall in the marketplace, said he plans to vote Conservative, adding: “I hope they win, we don’t need anyone else in.”
David Anderson, 80, from Ashtead, who was sitting on a bench in the Ashley Centre, said: “I think it will be a hung parliament. It’s not the best way forward.”
An Epsom woman, 64, who asked not to be named, said she plans to vote UKIP, adding: “I just believe in them. I hope they have a chance because we can’t be having all these immigrants coming into London and surrounding areas.”
But another resident said: “I’m voting Labour 101 per cent. I have always been a Labour man all my life.”
A 76-year-old Epsom resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I think the lead-up goes on for too long so you get fed up with it before the election happens.
“I think this could be an interesting result, we don’t know who is going to win.”
Of this year’s election, another voter said: “It’s no different really, it’s always the same.”
An elderly man, who has voted all his adult life, said: “Nobody seems able to come up with a positive result.”
What are you thoughts about the general and local elections? Email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or leave a comment below.
Over the next 24 hours, the Epsom Guardian will be bringing you all the results and rumours, tales of tears and triumph from the elections on this website and on Twitter.
Follow live coverage on this website and on Twitter @epsomguardian, @hardeep_matharu and @epsomjourno.
Stay with us throughout the day and into the night as the excitement mounts.
View the latest news on Twitter and this website on the election section: www.epsomguardian.co.uk/generalelection2015
Send in your photos and keep us informed of how you are getting involved with the general and local elections by emailing hmatharu@london.newsquest and alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or calling the newsdesk on 0208 722 6346.
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