Voting in May 2025 Local Elections: Key Details You Need to Know

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, voters in selected areas of England will participate in local elections, marking the first significant electoral event since the general elections in July 2024. Key highlights include:

Election Overview:

  • Elections will occur in 24 councils, including 14 county councils and 8 unitary authorities.

  • Notable councils scheduled for elections include Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, and Kent among others, as well as the Isles of Scilly.

  • Six mayoral elections are also set, including regions like Doncaster and Greater Lincolnshire.

  • Some local elections in areas such as East Sussex and Essex are postponed until 2026.

Voting Eligibility:

  • Voters must be at least 18, registered at an address within the voting area, and be British, Irish, eligible Commonwealth, or qualifying EU citizens.

Voting Methods:

  1. In-person at polling stations on election day from 07:00 to 22:00 BST.

  2. 2. By post.

  3. 3. By proxy vote (nominating someone to vote on your behalf).

  4. Registration Deadlines:

  5. - To vote, individuals must be registered by 23:59 BST on April 11, 2025.

  6. Deadline for postal votes is 17:00 BST on April 14 and for proxy votes 17:00 BST on April 23.

Photo ID Requirement:

  • Voters need to present approved photo ID when voting in person. Acceptable forms include passports, driving licenses, and from May 1, Armed Forces Veteran Cards.

  • Individuals without approved ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, with an application deadline of April 23.

Inside Polling Stations:

  • While writing implements will be provided, voters are allowed to bring their own pens or pencils.

  • Photography is prohibited within polling stations, and while children can accompany voters, they are not permitted to influence the marking of ballots.

Significance of Local Councils:

  • Different councils handle various local services, including elderly care, road maintenance, and education. Financial challenges have led many councils to cut services, recently increasing council tax.

Election Results:

  • Announcements of some results, particularly mayoral elections, will start on the night of May 1, but most council results will be counted on May 2.

Samuel wycliffe