With less than two weeks to go until the voter registration deadline for Mayoral and Local Elections on 7 May, anyone who wants to vote must make sure they are registered in time.
Research shows that some groups, including young people, students and those who have recently moved, are less likely to be registered than others. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April. Voters can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.
Once registered, voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.
Voters going to a polling station will need to show photo ID. To find out which ID you can use in the polling station, visit the Electoral Commission website. Most people already have valid photo ID and won’t need to take any action. If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing and submitting a paper form to Watford Borough Council. .
Donna Nolan, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Watford Borough Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at the Mayoral and Local elections in May. These elections provide an important opportunity to decide who represents you at Watford Borough Council and make decisions on matters important to our communities.
If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, you can contact our virtual assistant WatBot, available 24/7 on our website www.watford.gov.uk or alternatively you can speak to our Elections Team by email elections@watford.gov.uk or by phone on 01923 278369.”
Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal, proxy vote or free ID.
“If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.
“Voters will also need to show photo ID at polling stations this May. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by submitting a paper form to their local council.”
Clear, trusted information about registering to vote and all your voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.
