Plymouth residents who will be 18-years-old by 4 May are encouraged to register to vote now and make sure they have eligible photo ID – in time for this year’s local election.
With the deadline to register only six weeks away (17 April), we want all those eligible to vote to make sure that they take the opportunity to have their say in the Plymouth City Council election.
Registering to vote is quick and easy, it only takes five minutes and can be done online. When registering, you can also apply for a postal vote. This means that during an election you will automatically be sent a ballot paper to your home, so you can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station.
Once registered, you will be placed onto the electoral register – which means you won’t need to register again, unless you move house.
In addition, unlike parliamentary elections, if you're a student living in Plymouth, studying away from home, you can register to vote in local elections in both your home town as well as Plymouth.
Tracey Lee, Returning Officer for Plymouth, said: “There are thousands of students and young adults in Plymouth that aren’t registered to vote, but care about our great city and want the opportunity to shape its future. We don’t want them to miss out. Their views are important.
“Registering to vote is quick, easy and has a number of benefits – not only can you take part in the democratic process, but it will also help with future credit checks. Helping with mortgages, loans or even a mobile phone contract.”
Those registered to vote, and plan to cast their ballot in person, are reminded that they will also have to show eligible photographic ID at polling stations from May.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge. Unfortunately, student ID is NOT an accepted form of ID.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can register for a postal vote by the 18 April, OR can apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. The deadline to apply for this ID is 25 April 2023.
The key dates to remember are:
- Deadline to register to vote: 17 April 2023
- Deadline to apply or change a postal vote: 18 April 2023
- Deadline to apply for Voter ID certificate: 25 April 2023
- Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 25 April 2023.
More information on registering to vote, what voter ID will be accepted or how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is available on the Plymouth City Council website. Anyone not able to visit the Council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, can contact the Council by calling 01752 304866 or emailing: ero@plymouth.gov.uk.