IN what could be the most closely-fought election in recent years, postal voters in Swindon have been eager to get their ballot papers in.

Candidates are hoping for a bigger than usual turnout after a general election campaign that has captured the public’s enthusiasm and many postal ballots arrived early.

One Swindon punter placed a £300 bet on the Tories to win the general election with Ladbrokes in town, but the race is wide open.

And the media spotlight could well fall on Swindon, which is known as a ‘bellwether’ seat as the result tends to reflect the overall national picture.

Despite the weather forecast for drizzle in the afternoon, thousands of people will be visiting the 70 polling stations around the town to cast their vote in both the general and local election.

Preparations for the big count at the Oasis leisure centre tonight have been gathering pace in recent days with 128 counters being drafted in.

The result for the two parliamentary seats is expected at about 2.30am with the local election count following that.

But there is a strong chance that there could be a recount if the results are close and the count could go on until later.

Candidates are leaving nothing to chance and are planning a frantic last 24-hour push.

Justin Tomlinson (Con), who is standing in the North Swindon seat, said: “We will be continuing to deliver leaflets and knock on doors right to the very end.

“This is without a doubt the most exciting campaign I have been involved in. The leadership debates sparked extra interest from residents and we are hoping to capitalise on David Cameron’s strong performance.”

Robert Buckland (Con), who is standing in the South Swindon seat, said: “I will be spending the last 24 hours out and about delivering leaflets and encouraging people to vote right up until the last moment.”

Victor Agarwal (Lab), running for election in North Swindon, said: “I think the last 24 hours are very important and a lot depends on what the other candidates are doing in each constituency as well as what’s happening nationally with each party leader and what people have seen on TV.”

Damon Hooton (Lib Dem), who also standing in South Swindon, said: “The campaign has gone really, really well and I have been very pleased with the impact that Nick Clegg has had. I hope I will be able to increase my votes and increase my position by a place or two.”

Bill Hughes (Green), who is standing in North Swindon, said: “I think we will get a better percentage this time, we could even save our deposit.”

But Robin Tingey (UKIP), South Swindon, said he would be working on the last day of the election campaign. He said: “I believe we have got our message out there.”

Once the votes are in it is down to the electoral services department at Swindon Borough Council to take over the reins.

Returning officer Steven Taylor will be charged with announcing the results in the early hours of Friday morning and returning the writ with the results on it to Parliament.

He said: “We have had an increase in postal vote applications, so obviously there is great interest so I look forward to seeing a good turnout.

“I love elections, it’s a great event. There is lots of atmosphere and it is just a great occasion.”

Sally Sprason, the council's electoral services manager, said postal votes were being opened and security checked yesterday. They will be counted after polling stations shut at 10pm tonight.