Key information and dates preceding the Leeds City Council and Mayor of West Yorkshire elections scheduled for Thursday, May 2, have been highlighted by Leeds City Council.
Voters are reminded to stay informed about this year’s local and regional elections in May. On Thursday, May 2, voting will occur for positions on the Leeds City Council as well as for the regional Mayor of West Yorkshire. Those planning to vote in person at a polling station on election day are reminded to bring a valid form of Voter ID, as per the system implemented during last year’s local elections.
Instructions on accepted forms of identification and the process for obtaining a new free Voter ID are available at Voter photo ID (leeds.gov.uk). Similar to last year, assistance with completing the application form, including taking a photo, will be provided at all community hubs and libraries in Leeds. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (free voter ID) is 5 pm on Wednesday, April 24. It’s important to note that the requirement to present Voter ID only applies to individuals voting in person at a polling station or via a proxy in person; it does not affect those who vote by post.
The initial step in the voting procedure is ensuring registration to vote. The deadline for registration is midnight on Tuesday, April 16. This includes individuals who have relocated and need to register at their new address. Registration is a quick process, taking just five minutes, and can be completed online at Register to vote – GOV.UK
The subsequent step involves selecting the preferred voting method: in-person, by post, or through proxy voting, wherein a trusted individual is appointed to vote on one’s behalf. For in-person voting, individuals will be required to present an accepted form of Voter ID at the polling station.
Poll cards will be dispatched to all currently registered voters in Leeds starting from March 25. Residents are encouraged to verify the information on their poll cards upon receipt to ensure accuracy. Additionally, they should take note of the location of their polling station, as it may have changed.
Postal poll cards will also be dispatched to individuals currently registered for postal voting, followed by the issuance of postal ballot packs starting from approximately April 18. Those interested in voting via this method can apply accordingly via www.leeds.gov.uk
The deadline for postal voting applications is 5 pm on Tuesday, April 18. Additionally, postal voters are reminded to return their completed postal votes as soon as possible to assist in managing demand. Another available option is proxy voting, which can be applied for through via www.leeds.gov.uk/elections The deadline for proxy voting applications is 5 pm on Wednesday, April 17.
It is strongly recommended that all voters thoroughly review the information provided to them upon receipt, as there are several changes being implemented for these elections. These changes are detailed comprehensively, particularly for individuals intending to submit completed votes on behalf of others.
Elections Returning Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan said:
“As we get ready to head into another pre-election period, it is important everyone who wishes to vote is registered to do and has chosen their method of voting. There are some important changes this year voters will need to read the guidance when it arrives to be fully aware of, and also we wish to remind everyone wanting to vote in person on election day they will need to have an accepted form of ID with them to show at the polling station or they will be turned away. We encourage everyone who can vote to exercise their democratic right to do so and have their say.”
For additional details regarding the changes implemented for this year’s elections, please visit the Electoral Commission’s website at Home Page | Electoral Commission
Key dates leading up to the Leeds City Council and regional Mayor of West Yorkshire elections in 2024 are as follows:
- Monday, March 25: Official pre-election period commences;
- From the week commencing Monday, March 25: Poll cards dispatched to all registered electors in Leeds;
- Friday, April 5: Publication of the list of candidates standing in this year’s elections;
- Midnight on Tuesday, April 16: Deadline for voter registration;
- 5 pm on Wednesday, April 17: Deadline for postal voting applications;
- Thursday, April 18: Commencement of postal vote pack deliveries to voters;
- 5 pm on Wednesday, April 24: Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications (required for in-person voting);
- 5 pm on Wednesday, April 24: Deadline for proxy voting applications;
- Thursday, May 2 (7 am-10 pm): Election day;
- Friday, May 3: Vote counting and declaration of results for Leeds City Council seats;
- Saturday, May 4: Vote counting and declaration of results for the Mayor of West Yorkshire.
On election day, it will be mandatory for all voters at polling stations to verify their identity using one of the approved forms of photo ID. Polling officials may need to request voters to remove face coverings to confirm their identity. Privacy booths will be provided at all polling stations, with the option for voters to choose a male or female official to conduct the verification process.
For any inquiries or concerns, the Leeds elections team can be reached via the helpline at 0113 222 4411 or by email: electors@leeds.gov.uk
