Get ready to head to the polls on 4 May

With the 4 May local elections just weeks away, residents are being urged to get ready to have their say on who will run their local services.

As Sevenoaks District prepares for the big day, with 89 polling stations, more than 200 staff working in polling stations and almost 100 people ready to count the votes, people who have registered to vote should now have their polling cards telling them where they’ll be able to cast their vote.

Residents are being encouraged to view the candidates standing in their area as soon as possible so they are ready for polling day.

This year, residents voting in person will need to provide ID before they can cast their vote. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence, some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.gov.uk/voting-photo-id or by completing a paper form, available from Sevenoaks District Council. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Dr. Pav Ramewal, Sevenoaks District Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Returning Officer, says: “It is so important for people to have their say about who represents them at a local level. We’re encouraging as many residents as possible to make their way to the polling stations between 7am and 10pm on 4 May, if they haven’t cast their vote by post. The poll card will tell you the location of your polling station but voters can also get in touch with the team here at Sevenoaks District Council with any queries.”

To find out more, including where your polling station is and all the candidates standing in the District and Town & Parish elections, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/localelections2023.

ENDS