Local libraries can help people use their vote this May
Tuesday, April 07, 2026
Wakefield Council is encouraging residents to visit their local library if they need help to use their vote this May.
On Thursday 7 May, all 63 Wakefield Council seats are up for election. People will be able to vote for three candidates in their ward by putting a cross in the boxes on their ballot paper. The candidate elected in first place will serve for four years, second place for two years and third place for one year.
Anyone who needs help with applying for a postal vote, a proxy vote or Voter Authority Certificate can visit a Council-owned library, where they will be directed to the correct online application. People can find their local library at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/your-local-library
“It’s really important that all our residents are able to have their say in the upcoming elections.
“We recognise that for some, finding the relevant forms, especially online, can be tricky and that’s why we have trained our friendly library staff to be able to offer help and support so that you can use your vote this May.
“Please pop in and see them if you need help with applying for a postal vote, a proxy vote or a Voter Authority Certificate.”
Tony Reeves
Electoral Registration Officer
Residents have until midnight on 20 April to make sure they are registered, in order to vote. It is quick and simple to register by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. People will need their date of birth and National Insurance number to be able to register.
The deadline to apply for a new postal vote or a new postal proxy vote, or to make changes to existing postal or proxy postal votes is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Apply now at https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
The deadline for new proxy vote applications (not postal proxy or emergency proxies) is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. Apply now at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote
Photographic identification is now required to vote at a polling station, this includes passports, driving licences, bus passes and disabled badges. The full list of all acceptable documents is available at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
Anyone who does not have one of the required forms of photo ID will be able to get a free Voter Authority Certificate from the Council. To apply, visit www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the May elections is at 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2024.
For more information, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/elections