Yesterday (Thursday, May 2) saw hundreds of people across the Gazette patch registering their votes for the people they wish to see represent their ward on West Sussex County Council. Figures released show that the overall turnout in the Arun district was 31.58 per cent, which is down on 2009’s results, which saw around 40 per cent register their votes. Arun District Council’s chief executive and returning officer, Nigel Lynn, said: “The turnout is slightly down on 2009’s results. “However, that one was a combined county and European election, so that could have played a factor.” He added the results were far higher than last year’s police and crime commissioner election, which saw a poor turnout of 14.8 per cent. This year East Preston and Ferring ward recorded the highest number of electors in the Arun district visiting the polls, with a 36.64 per cent turnout. The lowest figure was seen at Bognor Regis East, with 24.43 per cent. Here is a break down of the total turnout in the individual wards in the Gazette area: Angmering and Findon: 31.18 per cent. Arundel and Wick: 27.86 per cent. Fontwell (which represents Barnham and Slindon): 29.59 per cent. Littlehampton East: 32.21 per cent. Littlehampton Town: 27.97 per cent. Rustington: 35.27 per cent. Middleton (which covers Climping, Ford and Yapton): 31.55. Election results will be posted live on the Gazette’s website as soon as they are announced.