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Voter Registration and Postal Vote Deadlines Loom Ahead of 7 May Local Elections

New rules require photo ID at polling stations, with postal votes now renewed every three years.

Overview

  • The registration deadline, set for 11:59pm Monday, April 20, closes online sign-ups at gov.uk/register-to-vote, a quick process that does not require a National Insurance number.
  • Postal voting applications are due by 5pm Tuesday, April 21, and you must appear on the register before you can request a postal ballot.
  • Polling stations will ask for photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, and voters without ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm Tuesday, April 28 through their local council.
  • A 2022 law now forces postal voters to reapply every three years, and Swindon has removed about 13,000 people from its postal list unless they submit a fresh application.
  • This year’s contests cover 5,014 seats across 136 councils and six mayoralties on Thursday, May 7, with areas such as Swindon counting votes on May 8 and, if needed, May 9.