The local elections will take place on Thursday (May 4) and will give people all across the country the opportunity to have their say in local government.
However, many people may feel that voting can be a daunting task, especially because new roles have been implemented for this year's elections. Furthermore, voting systems change depending on which election you are voting for, therefore you may notice some differences in your ballot sheet in the local elections than you would in the general elections.
To help you sieve through all the voting information out there, we have created a brief guide for anyone hoping to have their say in the elections.
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When will polling stations be open?
Polling stations be open from 7am to 10pm on May 4. The Electoral Commission has confirmed that if you are still in a queue to vote when polls officially close, you are still guaranteed entry and the ability to cast your vote.
Generally, polling stations are located in public buildings which include schools, leisure centres and churches. If you are unsure where to find your local polling station you can contact your local authority's election office.
Do I need to take my ID with me to a polling station?
Yes, new rules have been introduced which means you will now need an eligible form of photo ID to be able to cast your vote at a polling station. Accepted forms of photo ID include:
- Passport issued by the UK, any Channel Island, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country
- Driving licence or provisional driving licence issued by the UK, any Channel Island, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- Blue Badge
You can also apply for a free voter ID document (Voter Authority Certificate) which you can receive if you're registered to vote. Furthermore, if your photo ID is out of date, it can still be used as a valid ID for voting as long as the picture still looks like you and has the same name you used to register to vote.
What happens when I arrive at the polling station?
When heading to your local polling station you will be provided with ballot papers with will have a list of all the candidates standing for election in your area on it. For a local election, you will have the option to choose as many candidates as there are seats available for your area which will vary in number.
What if I can't travel to a polling station?
If you are unable to or don't want to head to a polling station there is also the option to vote by post, but you must have applied for this in advance and it will be too late to do so now if you haven't already.
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