Register to vote deadline for elections
The deadline to register to vote in May’s local elections is approaching. Those who need to register, including those who have recently moved house, need to do so before midnight on April 17.
Local elections are being held on May 4 across the country, including for councils across Surrey.
All 11 district and borough councils in Surrey are holding elections, some for a third of their councillors and some for the whole council. There is also a by-election for Surrey County Council in the Walton South and Oatlands division, following the resignation of Cllr Tony Samuels.
Councils have started sending out poll cards to voters, anyone who has not received one or who has recently moved may not be registered to vote.
Registration should take around five minutes on the gov.uk website, and though people may be asked for their National Insurance number, it is possible to register without one.
Registering anonymously is also possible for those who do not want their name to appear on the electoral register.
May’s elections will be the first where all voters will need to bring photo ID to vote, with only certain forms being accepted. Those without the necessary photo ID, which includes passports, driving licence and an Oyster 60+ Card, can apply for a free voter ID document.
While online registration is the quickest way, voters can also print off a paper form to be sent to their local Electoral Registration Office, which is the relevant district or borough council.
To check if they are registered to vote, voters also need to contact the electoral services team at their local council.
Voters must be aged 18 or over on election day and be a British, Irish, European Union citizen, or Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission, as well as being registered to vote.
Image – Runnymede Council.
Epsom and Ewell Times adds: For guidance on photo ID read our report HERE “No Photo, No Vote”.
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