Residents who want to have their say at the local and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections on 2 May elections must ensure they are registered to vote by midnight on Tuesday 16 April.
It only takes five minutes to register online.
Electors who want to vote at a polling station will also need to remember to take an accepted form of photo ID with them. Accepted forms of photo ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or driver's licence, and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Electors who do not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online, or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted photo ID is available on the Electoral Commission's website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, can be found on the Electoral Commission website.
Colin Ansell, chief executive of the council and returning officer for Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “With elections taking place in Southend-on-Sea on 2nd May, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they are registered and have an accepted form of photo ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May. Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show an accepted form of photo ID before they can be given their ballot papers.
“Residents who do not have an accepted form of photo ID and need help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate can contact our electoral services team on 01702 215010 or by emailing elections@southend.gov.uk for support.”
We are reminding residents of the deadlines for this year's local and PFCC elections are as follows:
- register to vote by midnight on Tuesday 16 April 2024
- apply for a postal vote by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024
- apply for a proxy vote by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024
- apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024