Register to Vote

The Parliamentary by election in Somerton and Frome takes place on 20 July – so residents in the constituency need to make sure they are registered to vote by 4 July if they are not already registered.

It’s quick and easy to register to vote, but, after the deadline of 4 July, it will be too late.

People can apply to vote by post or nominate someone they trust to vote on their behalf – this is a proxy vote. If they need a postal vote they should apply by the 5pm deadline on 5 July. Proxy vote applications close at 5pm on 12 July. More information is available here: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post

Voters planning to vote in person at a polling station will need to bring photo ID so they can cast their ballot. Acceptable forms of ID include a driving licence, passport, or older person’s bus pass.

You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, if it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

The full list of accepted Voter ID is available on the Electoral Commission website, along with more information about the requirement.

Those without the necessary ID can apply for a FREE Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) online, by post or in person. The deadline for VAC applications is 5pm on 12 July.

Help and advice is available from the Somerset elections team on 0300 123 2224, 01749 341475 or 341391.

Key dates:

·         Deadline to register to vote – midnight, 4 July 2023

·         Deadline for postal vote applications – 5pm, 5 July 2023

·         Deadline for proxy applications – 5pm, 12 July 2023

·         Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications – 5pm, 12 July 2023

·         Polling Day – Thursday 20 July 2023

·         Count of votes and declarations of result – 20-21 July 2023

Key links:

·         Somerset Council – Electoral Services (somerset.gov.uk)

·         Register to vote – Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

·         Electoral commission Voter ID – Voter ID | Electoral Commission

To find out who the elected Somerset Councillor is for a particular area, simply visit www.writetothem.com