Use your vote – make sure you are registered and cast your vote on Thursday 2 May 2024. The elections give you a chance to shape the future of Leeds.
On Thursday, May 2nd, voters will participate in the elections for Leeds City Council and the regional Mayor of West Yorkshire. The lists of candidates for these positions have been officially released. For a comprehensive list of candidates standing for election to Leeds City Council, please visit the Leeds City Council Elections. To view the candidates vying for the position of Mayor of West Yorkshire, visit the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral election page West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral Election
It’s important to note that individuals wishing to vote in person at a polling station on election day must present a valid form of Voter ID, as per the system introduced during last year’s local elections. For guidance on acceptable forms of identification and information on obtaining a free Voter ID, visit the Voter photo ID page.
Community hubs and libraries across Leeds are available to assist voters with completing the application form, including providing assistance with taking a photo. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (free voter ID) is 5pm on Wednesday, April 24th. The requirement to show Voter ID only pertains to individuals voting in person at a polling station or through a proxy in person; it does not impact those voting by post. The initial step in the voting process is registering to vote, with the deadline set for midnight on Tuesday, April 16th.
This includes individuals who have recently relocated and need to update their address. Registration is a quick process, taking just five minutes, and can be completed online at the Register to vote page on the GOV.UK. Subsequently, voters must decide on their preferred voting method: in person, by post, or via a proxy vote.
For those opting to vote in person, a valid form of Voter ID must be presented at the polling station. Poll cards are currently being dispatched to all registered voters in Leeds. Residents are urged to review the information on their poll cards for accuracy and to take note of any changes in the location of their designated polling station.
Postal poll cards will also be dispatched to individuals currently registered for postal voting, followed by the issuance of postal ballot packs starting around April 18th. Those wishing to vote by post can apply via the Leeds City Council website www.leeds.gov.uk. The deadline for postal voting applications is 5pm on Tuesday, April 18th, with a reminder for postal voters to return their completed postal votes promptly to manage demand effectively.
An alternative option is to vote by proxy, which can be arranged via the Leeds City Council elections website www.leeds.gov.uk. The deadline for proxy voting applications is 5pm on Wednesday, April 17th. All voters are urged to carefully review the information provided to them upon receipt, as there are several changes being implemented for these elections, particularly concerning the submission of votes on behalf of others.
For further details on the changes implemented for this year’s elections, please visit the Electoral Commission’s website Home Page | Electoral Commission
For additional information on the role of the Mayor of West Yorkshire, please refer to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Here’s a rundown of the crucial dates leading up to the Leeds City Council and regional Mayor of West Yorkshire elections in 2024:
April 16th (Midnight): Deadline for voter registration;
April 17th (5pm): Deadline for postal voting applications;
April 18th: Commencement of postal vote pack distribution;
April 24th (5pm): Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications (required photo ID for in-person voting);
April 24th (5pm): Deadline for proxy voting applications;
May 2nd (7am-10pm): Election day;
May 3rd: Votes counted and results declared for Leeds City Council seats;
May 4th: Votes counted and result declared for Mayor of West Yorkshire.
On election day, polling stations will verify the identity of all voters using accepted forms of photo ID. Polling officials may request voters to remove face coverings for identity verification purposes. Privacy booths will be available at all polling stations, with a choice of a male or female official to conduct the check.
For any inquiries or assistance regarding the elections, individuals can contact the Leeds elections team via the helpline at 0113 222 4411 or by email: electors@leeds.gov.uk
