Make sure you’re registered to vote

Wakefield Council is reminding residents how quick and easy it is to register to vote ahead of May’s elections.

On Thursday 2 May, residents will have chance to vote in the local election where a third of Wakefield Council seats – 21 in total – are up for election. People will also be able to vote in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority mayoral election. 

Residents have until midnight on 16 April to make sure they are registered, in order to vote.

Residents are also reminded that they will need to show photo ID before voting at their polling station.

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 24 April 2024.

If someone loses all their forms of identification before the deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed, or if their identification is stolen, destroyed or damaged beyond use, they may apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

If they lose their identification after the deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate, they will have the ability to apply for an emergency proxy for that polling day. To do so, please visit www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

Anyone who needs help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate can visit their local library, who can help them complete the form. People can find their local library at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/your-local-library

It is quick and simple to register to vote by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. People will need their date of birth and National Insurance number to hand. They can also opt to have their details excluded from the ‘open register’, meaning that the information cannot be used for direct marketing.

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.

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.
For more information, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/elections