You’ve probably read this about 10 times now whilst reading through our Elections Hub, and you’ll be reading it again! The first step in preparing to vote is by registering!
You can register online or via post. If you choose to register online (which we think may be easiest as the Election is quite close) you just need 5 minutes and your National Insurance number. The voter registration deadline is Friday 11th April 2025. This is the very last day you’ll be able to register to vote for the Local Election.
Register to Vote
Voter ID
From 2023, all voters in England are required to show photo ID to vote at polling stations - this includes the upcoming General Election.
We know that some of you may not have access to a photo ID BUT worry not! We have a few ways around this for you.
Accepted Photo ID to Vote
Polling Station
If you choose to vote in person on Election Day, it’s important for you to turn up to the correct polling station. It may not be the closest one to where you live or it may have changed since the last Election. It’s also worth noting that you can’t just turn up to any polling station. There’s a few ways how you can check which one you should go to:
Voting with Access Needs
If you have any access needs whilst at the Polling Station, make a member of staff aware, who will be able to accommodate you. They can provide assistance such as a tactile voting device for visually impaired voters, assistance in moving around the polling station for voters with mobility issues, easy read instructions and more.
Support for those with access needs
Knowing Your Candidates and Researching
You’ve registered to vote and checked that you have a valid photo ID—great! Now comes the important decision of who you’ll vote for on election day.
Local Elections decide who represents you on your local council, and each area elects councillors to make decisions that directly impact your community. Most candidates represent a political party, but some stand as independents. You’ll be able to find out more about the candidates running in your area once the official list is published.
Once you have the list of candidates, take the time to research them and their respective parties (if they have one) using reputable sources. This could include reading their manifestos, visiting their websites, following trusted news outlets, or watching candidate debates and interviews.
As you research, consider which candidates and parties align with your values. Ask yourself: What local issues matter most to me? What changes would I like to see in my community? Which candidate’s policies best reflect my priorities? How can my local council support me and those around me? Making a list of your key concerns can help you decide how to cast your vote.
Voting Methods
There are three different ways in which you can cast your vote in the upcoming Local Election:
In Person: We’ve written about this just above.
Postal: If you can’t make it to your local polling station on the day, whether that’s because you currently live abroad, you’re on holiday or you can’t access a polling station, you can apply to cast your vote by post. You’ll need to apply by Monday 14th April at 5pm - this is the very last day you’ll be able to register for a postal vote.
Apply to vote by Post
Proxy: If you can’t make it to your local polling station on the day, whether that’s because you currently live abroad, you’re on holiday or you can’t access a polling station, you can apply to cast your vote by proxy. This means to nominate and register a trusted person to vote on your behalf. This person must be eligible and registered to vote in UK elections and able to visit your local polling station on the day. You’ll need to apply by Wednesday 23rd April at 5pm- this is the very last day you’ll be able to register for a proxy vote.
Apply to vote by Proxy