After a month of intense campaigning by the politicians, the fate of the parties is now in the hands of the electors. Officials set up booths and were open for business by 0700BST and will close at 2200BST on Thursday. The parties are hopeful that the fine weather will help encourage a good turnout.
Wales traditionally records a comparatively high turn-out at elections.
Councils across the country have said the early morning turn-out broadly matched that seen at recent polls. At the last election Labour held 34 seats, Plaid Cymru four, and the Liberal Democrats two. The Conservatives did not return any Westminster MPs in Wales at that election. This is also the first general election since the setting up of the Welsh Assembly in May 1999. The next election for the 60 assembly seats is due to be held in May 2003.