VOTERS are out in force across polling stations in Newark as the eagerly-awaited by-election comes to a close.
The eyes of the country are on the constituency as the eleven candidates hear how their parties fare in the count, which starts at 10pm.
The Conservatives are the favourites to maintain their majority, which was 16,000 after the 2010 general election.
But a surge from Ukip has led many to believe the election is a two-horse race.
Voters in Southwell said the attention of the national media in the town has caused a frenzy and hoped it would encourage a large turnout.
Esme McQuillan, 38, of King Street, said: "The eyes of the whole country are on Newark and all the villages around. When you come out of the house you get acocsted even if you're just off to the shops.
"That's strange for Southwell as it's quite a relaxed village. We've had the Prime Minister here and endless leaflets through the door, so I think that will encourage a big vote. I'll certainly be voting at least."
Early polls suggested Conservative candidate Robert Jenrick is the hot favourite to claim the seat, which was made vacant by Patrick Mercer's resignation over cash-for-questions allegations.
Mr Jenrick is up against Ukip's Roger Helmer, an MEP for the East Midlands, Labour's Michael Payne, David Watts of the Liberal Democrats and Green party candidate David Kirwan.
In the streets of Newark, Southwell and Lowdham this evening, Ukip tellers were out in force in a bid to chase an early indication of the results.
Ukip members Juliette Jackson and her husband Stuart, of Newark, said they were encouraged by the voters they'd spoken to.
"People have been shouting nice things across the street, wishing us good luck," said Juliette. "I've been pleasantly surprised."
If victorious, Ukip would gain its first parliamentary seat.
The party won a majority in the East Midlands and nationwide in the recent European elections on May 22.
Mr Jackson added: "I think the Conservatives are concerned. Even if we come second it shows there are now four main parties and there aren't any safe seats in the UK."
At the general election in 2010, the Conservatives won with a 16,000 majority over second-placed Labour with Ukip 25,000 votes behind in fourth place.
Trev Savage, of Lowdham, said he would be surprised to see anything other than a win for the Tories.
"We've been here for 15 years," said the 78-year-old. "And I've not seen a campaign like this before. It's been busy and it's been nice to see some younger voters out.
"They've been phoning every day and there are lots of flyers around. I think it's going to be a close-run thing between the Conservatives and Ukip."
Prime Minister David Cameron made four visits to the county in the lead-up to the election and Chancellor George Osborne and various other cabinet ministers have been door-knocking in Newark and Bingham.
Conservative teller, and district councillor on Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the party was taking the election very seriously.
"They've brought all the top brass along," he said. "So much so that you almost think the people of Newark are coming second to the national significance of the vote."Stay up to date with everything at the Newark by-election count on our live blog here
