Make sure you're registered to vote
Did you know that there is a local election on the 4th May? Please remember that you need to be registered to vote and if you are voting at a polling station, it will be a legal requirement to bring photo ID.
There are also a range of benefits to registering to vote beyond the ability to go to the ballot box. Being on the electoral roll can have benefits for your credit score, ability to access certain services and it may even make job applications
easier. Find out more.
Register to Vote
Ways you can vote
In person
Make sure you're registered to vote so you can attend your local polling station on polling day
By post
If you know that you won’t be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can vote by post
By Proxy
Ask a trusted person to vote on your behalf and apply for a proxy vote. They can vote for you in person or apply to vote by post
Voter ID
For the first time, residents in Plymouth will need to show photographic ID to vote in person at this year’s local elections which are being held on 4 May.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can now apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. The deadline to apply for this ID is 25 April 2023.
Read the full guide Voter ID here.
Elections FAQ's
What are the local elections?
In local elections, voters choose the councillors they want to represent their local area, known as a ‘ward.’ A ward is smaller than the parliamentary constituency your MP represents.
Councillors represent you on issues that impact the local community. This includes things such as transport, parks, libraries, recycling, and council housing.
Local elections occur every 4 years and this year will be happening on Thursday 4th May.
Plymouth City Council holds its elections with a 3rd of councillor seats up for election each year followed by one year off.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote here:
gov.uk/register-to-vote
To register to vote you will be asked for your National Insurance number (you can still register without one).
If you are unsure if you have already registered you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office here:
gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office
The deadline to register to vote is Monday 17 April at 11:59pm.
Do I vote at my university address or my home address?
If you live in two different local authority areas, which many students do, you may be able to vote in both places.
Register to vote in both areas and the Electoral Commission will let you know if you can vote in both locations.
Can I vote if I am an international student?
To vote in the local elections you must be either a British Citizen, an EU citizen living in the UK or a Commonwealth citizen who has permission to enter to stay in the UK.
Why should I vote?
You use the services ran by your local council every single day from the roads you walk to uni to the bins you recycle your rubbish in.
Councillors represent a much smaller community than MPs do. Your vote therefore is even more likely to make an impact in your local community that you’ll see day to day.
Another bonus is that registering to vote will increase your credit score!
How do I vote?
When you have registered to vote you will be sent a poll card which will tell you when to vote and where your local polling station is.
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on polling day.
When you arrive you will give your name and address to the polling staff and you will be asked to show photo ID.
You will then be given a ballot paper on which you can make your vote. The ballot paper will have instructions on how you should fill this in. This is done in private
What if I am unable to vote in person?
If you are unable to vote in person, you should apply for a postal vote in advance. You do not have to give a reason.
gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote
You must apply for a postal vote by 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.