Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.

The law has recently changed, and you now need a form of photo ID to vote in person. This guide will break down exactly what you need, and the dates you need to get it by so you can vote with peace of mind.

In Watford, you’ll be voting for Watford Borough Council and the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner. 

The deadline to register to vote in these elections is Tuesday 16 April, by 11:59pm. To register to vote online, follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote 

Accepted forms of Photo ID

You can use any of the following forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card) 
• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge
• Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
• Freedom Pass
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Other government issued documents
• Biometric immigration document
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Voter Authority Certificate
• Anonymous Elector's Document

Check this link for the full list of accepted forms of photo ID: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id

You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you.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

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document- known as a Voter Authority Certificate- by Wednesday 24 April.

Postal Votes

All votes must be posted or dropped into the Town Hall by Thursday 2 May. If you are handing in your postal vote at the Town Hall or polling station, you need to complete a form with a member of staff.

Any postal votes dropped off at the Town Hall or polling station without the form will not be accepted, and your vote will not be counted.

Remember that your voice matters, so don’t miss the deadlines. Happy voting!

For more information visit: https://www.watford.gov.uk/elections and https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote