Are you ready for the County Council election? Voters encouraged to make sure they are prepared so they can vote in the election
Residents across the Forest of Dean District are being encouraged to make sure they are registered to vote, apply for a postal vote if required, and apply for photographic identification if needed, ahead of the local elections on Thursday, 1 May 2025.
The elections include County Council Elections and two by-elections for Cinderford East ward and Newent & Taynton ward, following recent resignations.
Nigel Brinn, Deputy Returning Officer for Forest of Dean District Council, said:
“It is important that those who want to vote in the local elections make sure they are registered and have an accepted form of photo ID for voting in person at a polling station.
“If you are unable to go to a polling station to cast your vote, you can apply to vote by post or appoint a proxy - a person trusted to vote on your behalf.
“Remember before you can apply for a postal vote or appoint a proxy you must be registered to vote.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online, completing a paper application form, or by calling 01594 812638 for assistance.”
To take part in any election, you must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote in the area where you live. Even if you are eligible to vote, you may not be on the electoral roll, meaning you won’t be able to cast your vote. This can happen, for example, if you have recently moved or are voting for the first time.
Residents can register to vote through the Government website, a process that takes around five minutes. The registration deadline is Friday, 11 April 2025, and applications can be submitted at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Postal and Proxy Voting
If you will be away on Thursday, 01 May, or prefer to vote by post, you must apply for a postal vote before 5pm on Monday, 14 April 2025. Those applying for a postal vote must provide their National Insurance number as part of the application. If you already have a postal vote in place, you do not need to reapply.
Alternatively, electors can choose to vote by proxy, appointing someone else to vote on your behalf. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. Proxy voters must show their own valid ID when voting.
Voter ID Requirements
All voters must bring an accepted form of photographic ID to the polling station. in May. If you do not have one, you can apply for free voter ID (Voter Authority Certificate) online, or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council.
Residents who cannot apply online or need assistance can contact the Council on 01594 812638. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April.
More details can be found on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate
Further information about current and future elections, including candidates and results, is available on the Forest of Dean District Council website: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/currentelections
Contact Information
Forest of Dean Communications Team
Notes to editors
Accepted forms of photographic ID include Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card); Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence); and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.
Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness. Voters may be required to provide further proof of identity if there is any discrepancy between the name shown on the form of photographic ID and the name the voter claims at the polling station.
A full list of acceptable ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id