Hey UCLan students! Whether you're vibing in Preston, Burnley, or Westlakes, the upcoming local elections are your chance to influence everything from rent prices to how safe your streets feel at night. Voting isn’t just a political act—it’s about shaping the world around you. You can change how the local government responds to your needs. So, why should you vote? Let’s dive into it!

Why Should You Vote?

Voting in local elections is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to make a difference in your day-to-day life. Here’s why:

● Better Public Transport: Ever missed a bus to campus? You’re not alone. Voting helps you push for better transport services like more buses, extended hours, or cheaper student passes—getting to and from class shouldn't be a hassle.

● Affordable Housing: We all know rent is crazy high. The decisions made in local government affect the prices you pay to live in student digs. Voting helps ensure that your living conditions are a priority in the city’s planning.

● Greener Spaces: Do you want more green spaces, bike lanes, or better recycling? Your local council is in charge of things like parks, street cleaning, and the environment. Vote to create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable community.

● Better Nightlife & Community Spaces: Voting gives you a say in how nightlife, restaurants, and social spaces in the city are managed. Imagine having more places to hang out, better deals for students, or even safer streets on those late-night walks home.

● Make Your Voice Heard: Students are a huge part of local communities, but if we don’t vote, we’re invisible. Voting makes sure your concerns are heard loud and clear in the room where decisions are made.

By voting, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re sending a message. It’s about getting involved in the decisions that affect your life, and most importantly, about ensuring your voice is not only heard but valued.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Election Day: Thursday, 1st May 2025.

Voter Registration Deadline: Friday 11th April (Register here).

Postal Vote Application Deadline: 5 pm on Monday 14th April.

How to Register

1. Quick & Easy: Head to gov.uk/register-to-vote and sign up in minutes.

2. What You Need: Your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number.

3. Students Can Register Twice! If you split your time between home and uni, you can register at both addresses (just don’t vote twice—illegal vibes ).

Voter ID – Don’t Get Caught Out!

New rules mean you must bring photo ID to vote. No ID? No problem—apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate here.

Stay in the Loop

● Research the Candidates: Know who’s running and what they stand for.

● Check Local Election Info: Find polling locations and details for Preston, Burnley, or Westlakes.

● Get Your Mates Involved: The more students that vote, the louder our voice is!

Got Questions? Check out UCLan SU’s Local Election page for all the details you need to navigate the voting process.

Your vote = your power. Let’s make UCLan’s student community impossible to ignore this election. Register, show up, and make your mark!

Local Elections FAQ – What UCLan Students Need to Know

🙋 Can students actually vote in local elections?

Yes! If you're a UK, Irish, or Commonwealth citizen, you're eligible to vote in local elections. And if you’re an EU citizen living in the UK, you may be eligible too, depending on your country of origin. Check your eligibility

🏠 I live at uni and also have a home address. Where do I register?

You can register at both addresses (home and uni), but you can only vote once in the same election. That means you can choose where to vote, but don’t try to do both—seriously, it’s illegal (and not in a cool way ). Register to vote

🧍 I can’t make it on Election Day. Can I still vote?

Totally. You’ve got options:

● Postal Vote – Ballot comes to you, send it back. Apply for a postal vote

● Proxy Vote – Let someone you trust vote for you. Apply for a proxy vote

🪪 What counts as photo ID now?

You’ll need accepted photo ID like a passport, driving licence, PASS card, or certain travel cards. Student ID doesn’t count (we know, lame). No ID? No worries:

Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate

Full list of accepted photo ID

🌍 I’m an international student—can I vote?

● EU Citizens: Depends on your country and if the UK has a voting agreement with it.

● Non-EU International Students: Usually no, unless you’re from a Commonwealth country and meet specific residency conditions.

Check eligibility by nationality

🕖 Where’s my polling station?

You’ll get a polling card in the post telling you where to go. Lost it? No stress—you can still vote! Find your polling station

📣 I’m not into politics. Does my vote actually matter?

Yes. Local elections decide the things that affect your everyday student life—like rent, buses, nightlife, and safety. If students don’t vote, decision-makers won’t feel the pressure to include us in the convo. So yeah, your vote counts more than you think.