VOTING takes place today to elect three Kent borough councils, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Swale. And there could be some significant changes.

Usually, only one third of seats are at stake, but this year, because of ward boundary changes, entire councils are being chosen. This, together with an anticipated low percentage poll - some forecasts suggest only 20 per cent of potential voters may enter the booths - could alter the face of local politics in the three areas.

The Conservatives will be fairly confident of retaining their overall majority at Tunbridge Wells, where 48 seats are being contested. But it is a different story in Maidstone (55 seats) and Swale (47 seats) where the Liberal Democrats have been the largest party for some years, but in neither case has succeeded in outnumbering their rivals in total.

Low polls often favour minority parties and the Greens and Independents will be hoping to make an impact. The major parties will be on tenterhooks as the results come through from 10.30pm with the uncertainty of the boundary changes amalgamating some of the old wards and creating different numbers of seats in various areas.