Poll cards to be delivered ahead of upcoming elections

People registered to vote in Swindon will soon receive their poll card for the 2 May Borough and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

The poll card provides details of residents' polling station as well as the photo ID requirements.

This year, the poll cards will come in the form of an A5 card and provides details of residents polling station as well as the photo ID requirements. The card cannot be used as an accepted form of ID. 

The reverse of the card explains that voters can still use their photo ID even if it’s out of date, as long as it's still a likely representation of the person who appears on the ID.

The name on the form of ID should be the name used as part of the voter registration process. Only original documents will be accepted.

The card also advises electors that if they do not possess any of the accepted forms of photographic identification that are listed, they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This can be done online or by phoning the council on 01793 445 500 to request an application form by post.

Alternatively, electors can apply in person on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH.

Completed applications must reach the Council before 5pm on Wednesday, 24 April 2024. Anyone applying for a Voter Authority Certificate will need to be registered to vote first.

Residents need to make sure that they are registered to vote before 11.59pm on 16 April. It only takes five minutes to register on the Government’s website – search ‘register to vote’ online.

Voters who wish to use a postal vote at this year’s elections will need to register by 5pm on 17 April 2024. And for a proxy vote, applications must be submitted by 5pm on 24 April 2024. 

Sam Mowbray, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “There is now less than six weeks until the Borough and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, so it is important that everyone who wishes to vote is registered and has a suitable form of photo ID to take with them to the polling station.

“The poll card provides detailed information on the photo ID that is suitable, and also guidance on applying for a Voter Authority Certificate if you do not have an appropriate photo ID. The Voter Authority Certificate will be valid for all future elections, for 10 years.

“Those who need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate will need to submit their application by 5pm on 24 April. I would encourage those who need to apply to do so as soon as possible.”

More details on the different ways to vote can be found on the Council’s website as well as everything voters need to know about the upcoming elections.