Time to make sure you’re ready to vote in May’s elections

Published: 13 April 2023

Elections in Exeter are only three weeks away and there’s still time to register to vote if people haven’t done so already.

People must be on the electoral register to be able to vote and registration closes at midnight on Monday (17 April).

Time is also running out for those wanting to apply for postal votes. Completed postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday (18 April).

Exeter goes to the polls on 4 May in all 13 wards across the city. A list of all the candidates standing in this year’s elections can be found on the City Council website at https://exeter.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/2023-city-elections/election-notices/

This is the first year that people will have to show photographic ID to be able to vote at polling stations.

The new requirement was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act, which was passed at the end of last year.

People in Exeter who want to vote at a polling station on the day of the elections are being urged to make sure they have an accepted form of ID. Alternatively they can apply for a postal vote.

Some of the accepted forms of photo ID include a driving licence, passport, Older Person’s Bus Pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply now for free ID online at www.exeter.gov.uk/voterid or by completing a paper application form and sending it to Exeter’s electoral services team.

Those needing help with applying for the free ID or wanting to request an application form can contact the electoral services team before 25 April on 01392 265141 or email at electoral.services@exeter.gov.uk

For a full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, go to www.exeter.gov.uk/voterid

To register to vote visit the gov.uk website at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Registration only takes around five minutes and is essential for those wanting to vote.

To apply for a postal vote go to www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post

People voting on the day of the elections can use a special online search tool to find the location of their polling station http://apps.exeter.gov.uk/dn2pollingstation/stationfinder.aspx