Residents are reminded to make sure they are registered to vote in this year’s local election, and that they have eligible photo ID, before the deadlines in April.
There are a number of ways to cast your vote on the 4 May. You can vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
Registering to vote is quick and easy, it only takes five minutes and can be done online. Once registered, you will be placed onto the electoral register – which means you won’t need to register again, unless you move house.
Once registered, you can request a postal vote application online. Having a postal vote that you will automatically be sent a ballot paper to your home, so you can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station. If you’re unable to vote in person you can apply for a proxy vote and ask someone to vote on your behalf.
For the first time, residents in Plymouth will also need to show photographic ID to vote in person at a polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council.
The deadlines are:
- Deadline to register to vote: 17 April 2023
- Deadline to apply or change a postal vote: 18 April 2023
- Deadline to apply for Voter ID certificate: 25 April 2023
- Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 25 April 2023
Tracey Lee, Returning Officer for Plymouth, said: “With only two weeks to go, time is running out to make sure you can take part in the local elections. These elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day to day life here in Plymouth. If you haven’t registered to vote, please go online now and complete your application.
“It is important to also remember that anyone voting at a polling station this May will need to show eligible photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Please make sure you understand what types of ID you can use, and if you don’t have any, please apply for a voter authority certificate before the deadline.”
More information on registering to vote, what voter ID will be accepted or how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is available on the Plymouth City Council website. Anyone not able to visit the Council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, can contact the Council by calling 01752 304866 or emailing: ero@plymouth.gov.uk
