HERE is a handy list of everything you need to know ahead of voting in the Stroud district in the local elections. 

When?

Elections will take place on Thursday, May 2 for Stroud District Council, parish and town councils, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and some neighbourhood planning referendums.

How do I register to vote? 

In order to vote, go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. 

You will need your national insurance number, registering only takes a few minutes. Alternatively, residents can register to vote by calling 01453 766321. 

The deadline is midnight, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Photo identification (ID)

The government has introduced a requirement for registered electors to show photo ID when voting at a polling station. 

All electors will be required to present a government approved photo ID document at the polling station in order to be issued with a ballot paper. 

Voters are urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

The most common forms of photo ID are permitted e.g., photo driving licence, passport, and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. 

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. Only original documents are accepted. 

Further details and a full list of acceptable forms of ID are included on the Council's website at tinyurl.com/ypxb3uxy.

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply free-of-charge for a Voter Authority Certificate. 

To apply, visit tinyurl.com/3xrx93zj or book an appointment to have a photo taken and complete an application at the district council offices by calling 01453 766321. 

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Wednesday April 24, 2024.

Postal vote 

You can now apply to vote by post online and will need to provide your National Insurance Number to verify your identity.

Apply for a postal vote at - www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

Postal vote application forms are available to download at tinyurl.com/uknyw47z or can be obtained by emailing elections@stroud.gov.uk or calling 01453 766321.

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday, April 17 2024

Proxy votes

To apply for a proxy vote either:

  • Apply at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote (you will need your national insurance number)
  • Download an application form and either post or email to Stroud District Council
  • Call 01453 766321 or email elections@stroud.gov.uk.

Your proxy will need to vote on your behalf at your polling station and present their photo ID. The deadline for proxy vote applications is 5pm, Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Kathy O'Leary, returning officer for Stroud District Council, said: “With 6 weeks until polling day, make sure you're ready for the elections on Thursday, May 2. 

“Check that you've got an accepted form of photo ID and remember to bring it with you to the polling station on polling day.

“I would encourage all district residents to ensure they are registered to vote and that they have appropriate photo ID to be able to cast their vote.”

Counts

Counts take place on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 

A full election timetable can be seen here - tinyurl.com/4dmax6j5