The government tells councils in Herts "timings are still in place" for an announcement.
It says "severe budget shortfalls" mean it will not open before 8 July despite a petition.
The Lib Dems do well in St Albans and Watford while Labour loses to Reform in Stevenage.
Polling stations will be open in Milton Keynes and six district council areas between 07:00 and 22:00.
Six Hertfordshire councils have elections in May, with changes of political control possible.
James Blewitt, from Basildon, is given a suspended jail term for leaving the rubbish in Harpenden.
People fear up to 5,000 new homes would mean their village gets lost in "urban sprawl".
A look ahead to elections, the East West rail link and special education by our political reporter.
It puts up signs at an ornamental lake urging dog owners to keep their pets out of the water.
