Register to vote
On Thursday 2nd May 2024, local elections are taking place across England.
To vote at a polling station, you will need to bring photo ID with you. The deadline to register to vote in these elections, is Monday 17th April 2023.
You can register online, it usually takes about 5 minutes, enabling you to vote in both Local and National elections and referendums. All you need is your National Insurance Number.
If you are unable or don't want to vote in person at a polling station, you can also apply for a postal vote which can be returned free post to the local Electoral Officer. Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting, and is available to all registered voters. As an added bonus, if you don't manage to return it by post in time, you can also drop it off at a polling station to ensure your vote is counted.
You must return your postal vote application form by 5pm, 11 working days before the poll. If you are not already registered to vote, you must register before applying for a postal vote. The deadline to register to vote is midnight, 12 working days before the poll.
Voter ID
Since the 4th May 2023, voters in England have been required to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.
This applies to:
- Local elections
- UK General elections
- UK parliamentary by-elections
- Recall petitions
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
You can use several forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station, a full list can be found on gov.uk , but common types you may already have are:
- a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- a UK passport
- a Blue Badge
- a Voter Authority Certificate
The photo on your ID must look like you.
You can still use your ID even if it has expired.
If you don't have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
You only need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you do not have an accepted photo ID, you no longer look like the photo on your ID, or the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the local elections in England on 2nd May 2024 is 5pm on Thursday 25th April 2024.