VOTERS are being urged to keep a lookout for their polling cards which will be landing on doormats across Malvern Hills District as the countdown to the local elections begins.
People should contact Malvern’s election team if they have not received one by April 6 as it could be a sign they are not registered to vote.
The deadline to register to vote for May’s local elections is April 17, 2023. Registration can be done online using the links from Malvern Hills District Council. Registration can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Poll cards will be different to usual as they will be a larger size and will include details of the new Voter ID requirement. Voters will need to show a valid form of Photo ID at a polling station otherwise they will not be allowed to vote in May’s district and parish elections.
Around 1,300 voters in Malvern Hills may not have the right photo ID to vote in these elections. Anyone without a valid form of photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline of 5pm on April 25, 2023. People can go to malvernhills.gov.uk/elections for more information or pick up leaflets from local libraries.
Nominations have also opened for anyone wanting to stand for election as a district, town or parish councillor.
Potential candidates have until 4pm on April 4 to return the nomination forms by hand to MHDC’s elections team at the Council Chamber, Council House, Avenue Road in Great Malvern.
Voters will elect 31 councillors to Malvern Hills District Council this time, instead of the usual 38, following a review of the council’s electoral wards.
Andy Baldwin, Returning Officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Please look out for your poll card over the next couple of weeks and read it carefully as it will tell you everything you need to know about the new Voter ID requirement.”
He urged people without one by April 6 to get in touch to ensure they are registered to vote and can have their say at the ballot box.
People are also advised to check their cards for the location of their polling station as this may have changed following the Malvern Hills electoral wards review.
Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/elections or call the elections team on 01684 862200 for more information.
