Make sure you’re registered to vote in May’s elections
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Wakefield Council is making residents aware of the deadlines to apply to register to vote so they don’t lose their vote in the May elections.
On Thursday 7 May, residents will have chance to vote in the local election where all 63 Wakefield Council seats are up for election. People will be able to vote for three councillors in their ward by putting a cross in the boxes on their ballot paper. There’s no need to select a preference.
"You must be registered to vote to have your say in the local elections in May so please don’t delay and apply before the deadline. Even if you are away on polling day or unable to get to the polling station, you can apply to vote by post or proxy.
“It is important that everyone eligible is registered to vote because banks, building societies and loan companies use the register to verify the address of applicants before approving loans and bank accounts.”
Tony Reeves
Wakefield Council’s Electoral Registration Officer
Residents have until midnight on 20 April to make sure they are registered to be able to vote.
If people are going to be on holiday, working away from home or find it difficult to get to a polling station they can apply for a postal or proxy vote. But they must first ensure they are registered to vote before making an application.
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 Wednesday 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 Wednesday 28 April. Apply now at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-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. They can also opt to have their details excluded from the ‘open register’, meaning that the information cannot be used for direct marketing.
Anyone who has moved house recently, or changed other details such as their name, may not be registered correctly so should contact Electoral Services to check by calling 01924 305023 or by emailing elections@wakefield.gov.uk.
Those aged 16 and 17 can also register to vote so that they will be eligible to vote in the next election after their 18th birthday.
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 Wednesday 28 April 2026.
Anyone who needs help with applying for a postal vote, a proxy vote or Voter Authority Certificate can their visit their local council library, who can help them complete the form. People can find their local library at www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/your-local-library
For more information, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/elections