Swindon voters urged to prepare for General Election as deadlines approach

Swindon people are being reminded that there are only days left to register to vote at the General Election on Thursday 4 July.

They must ensure they are registered by midnight on Tuesday 18 June. 

Swindon Borough Council is reassuring voters that registering is quick and easy, taking just five minutes on the Government’s website.

Poll cards are being distributed to registered voters, containing important details about polling stations and photo ID requirements. 

Voters must bring an acceptable form of photo ID to the polling station and further information on accepted IDs or what to do if they don’t have one can be found on the Council’s website.

The deadline for postal vote applications is also soon approaching, with voters having until 5pm on Wednesday, 19 June, to submit their postal vote applications. If electors apply for a postal vote between Friday, 31 May and Wednesday 19 June, their postal vote will be sent out to them on Wednesday 26 June.

Anyone planning to vote by post who will be away before Friday 28 June until the General Election is strongly advised to appoint a proxy instead, meaning a trusted individual votes on behalf of the elector, as they may not receive their vote in time. Proxy vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Electors who are voting by post are encouraged to return their postal vote via Royal Mail. If a voter is planning to hand-deliver their postal vote, new election rules mean completed postal vote packs can no longer be hand delivered to the letterbox outside the Civic Offices in Euclid Street and require a 'postal vote return' form to be completed. 

Postal forms must only be hand delivered to the Civic Offices reception during office hours (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday), with the postal vote return form completed. Postal votes can also be hand delivered at polling stations on election day, with the postal vote return form completed. Failure to complete the postal vote return form when hand delivering a postal vote will mean the vote is rejected.

Sam Mowbray, Swindon Borough Council’s (Acting) Returning Officer, said: “It's important that everyone who wishes to vote in the upcoming general election is prepared. With the deadlines fast approaching, now is the time to make sure you're registered to vote and have the necessary photo ID if planning to vote at a polling station.

“The poll card provides detailed information on what photo ID is required. Those electors who do not have an accepted form of photo ID need to make sure they apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, by 5pm on 26 June. 

“We want to make sure every eligible elector has the opportunity to participate in the election if they wish to.”

For more information on voting options and the upcoming election, visit the Swindon Borough Council website.