Last Calls for Voter Registration

With less than a week left until voter registration closes for the upcoming local elections, South Tyneside Council is calling on those wanting to cast their vote to act now before it is too late.

The Local Government Elections take place on Thursday 4 May 2023, with seats in all 18 wards across the Council being contested. But if people are not registered to vote they will be unable to take part on Election Day.

South Tyneside Council is urging those who are not yet on the electoral register to apply to register by the midnight next Monday (17 April) deadline to protect their right to vote. Registering online at www.gov.uk/registertovote is easy and convenient. It only takes five minutes.

For the first time this May, voters will need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station - a new requirement introduced by the Elections Act.

Those who do not have one of the accepted types of ID can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/applyforvoteridtovote or by completing and submitting a paper form. Those needing ID must apply by 5pm on Tuesday 25 Aprilto be able to vote in person on 4 May.

Postal voters do not need Voter ID. The deadline to apply to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April and for a proxy vote (where a trusted person is appointed to vote on a voter's behalf), the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

Jonathan Tew, South Tyneside Returning Officer, said: "With less than a week to go, time is running out for voters to make sure they can vote in the local elections. The elections are an important opportunity for people to have their say on who represents them on South Tyneside Council.

"To be able to vote, residents must be on the electoral register. Unfortunately, those who are not registered by midnight on 17 April, will not be able to take part. Anyone who is in doubt about whether they are registered can check by contacting our elections team. Residents are also reminded that if they are voting in person they will need to show photo ID at their polling station. This is a new requirement."

Those who were registered to vote in the last elections and whose details have not changed will still be registered to vote and will have received a poll card to confirm this.

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: "It is important that people check they're election ready ahead of upcoming deadlines. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal or proxy vote or free ID.

"At elections in May, for the first time, voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by completing a paper form and submitting it to the local council."

Anyone who is in doubt, has difficulties accessing the internet, would like to register to vote over the phone or would like to request a voter ID application form, can contact South Tyneside Council's Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000.

Further information about elections in South Tyneside visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/elections

Accepted forms of ID are listed on the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID  For more details about registering to vote or applying for a vote by post or by proxy visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk