The candidates standing in this year’s Leeds City Council elections have been announced, with 36 seats set to be contested across the city on Thursday, May 7.
The full ward-by-ward list of those hoping to become councillors has now been published ahead of polling day, with voters across Leeds due to go to the polls before the count takes place and results are declared on Friday, May 8. While one councillor will be elected in each of Leeds’s 33 wards, three areas — Adel and Wharfedale, Morley North and Temple Newsam — each have an additional vacancy. That means a total of 36 seats will be up for grabs. The list of those standing to become councillors can seen by ward at www.leeds.gov.uk/elections
In those three wards, both the winning candidate and the runner-up will secure places on the council. Residents can check the full list of candidates standing in each ward on the Leeds City Council website. Poll cards are now being sent to everyone currently registered to vote in Leeds, with residents urged to check their details carefully and make a note of their polling station, as some locations may have changed since previous elections.
Anyone planning to vote in person is being reminded that they will need to bring a valid form of Photo ID to their polling station on election day. The requirement is particularly important for voters whose postal vote arrangements were cancelled after they did not reapply before the January deadline and who now intend to cast their ballot in person.
Guidance on accepted forms of identification, as well as details on how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, is available online. Community hubs and libraries across Leeds will also be able to help people complete the application, including taking the necessary photograph. The deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.
Anyone not yet registered to vote is being urged to do so before midnight on Monday, April 20. The reminder also applies to people who have recently moved home and need to register at their new address. Registration takes only a few minutes and can be completed online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Voters can choose whether to cast their ballot in person, by post or by proxy. Anyone wishing to vote by post who is not already registered to do so — including former postal voters who missed the January renewal deadline — must apply by 5pm on Tuesday, April 21 www.leeds.gov.uk/elections
Postal ballot packs are expected to be issued from around April 21, and voters are being encouraged to return them as early as possible. Proxy voting is also available for those who would prefer a trusted person to vote on their behalf, with applications required by 5pm on Tuesday, April 28 www.leeds.gov.uk
Whichever voting method residents choose, they are being reminded of the national message that ‘Your vote is yours alone’. Support is available for anyone with concerns through Crimestoppers, which can be contacted anonymously by phone or online.
All voters are advised to read the information sent through to them carefully when it arrives, and the Leeds elections team can be contacted to address any issues using the helpline at 0113 222 4411 or by emailing electors@leeds.gov.uk
