Here's five things you need to know about voting this May, whether it is in person, by post or by proxy:
- Register to vote
Remember to register by Tuesday 16 April at midnight.
To register you'll need to confirm your identity. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to provide your national insurance number and date of birth. If your details have recently changed (such as if you’ve moved house or changed your name) you also need to let us know. Visit http://www.gov.uk/registertovote - it only takes 5 minutes!
- Voting in person? You now need a valid form of photo ID.
Valid forms of photo identification include drivers licences, passports, concessionary travel passes, PAA cards and Ministry of Defence identity cards.
More information about the voter identification policy, as well as a full list of accepted forms of photo ID can be found on GOV.UK.
If you don’t have a valid form of photo ID, you will need to apply for a voter ID to vote in person. You can register for a voter ID (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) on GOV.UK by Wednesday 24 April at 5pm.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 2 May, and you can find your polling station at wheredoivote.co.uk.
- You can apply to vote by post
If you'd prefer not to vote in person, you can apply for a postal vote. If you’d like to vote by post, make sure to apply by Wednesday 17 April at 5pm.
Postal votes are valid for a maximum of three years, then a full reapplication is needed. All applications now need to include your National Insurance number. You can apply online or download the postal vote form from the Electoral Commission website. Alternatively, you can contact the council’s electoral services team on 01925 442184 or at elections@warrington.gov.uk and we'll help you.
- You can apply to vote by proxy
You can ask for someone to vote on your behalf if you are unable to get to the polling station. If you want to vote by proxy, you will need to have a reason why you aren't able to get to the polling station yourself, such as employment or disability.
As long as your proxy is registered to vote and your application is received and processed by 5pm Wednesday 24 April, they can cast your vote for you.
- Voting is more accessible for voters with disabilities
The Elections Act has improved the accessibility of elections, with aids like braille ballot paper information, pencil grips, and magnifiers to help people with disabilities to vote.
Voters with disabilities can now also choose anyone who is over 18 to accompany them in the polling station to help them vote. Find out more about accessibility during the local elections on our making voting accessible webpage.