West Swindon Parish Council

Swindon Borough Council and the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on Thursday 2nd May 2024.

The key dates to be aware of are:

• Tuesday, 16 April (11.59pm): deadline to register to vote. You only need to register once, unless you have changed your name, address or nationality
• Wednesday, 17 April (5pm): deadline to apply for a postal vote
• Wednesday, 24 April (5pm): deadline to apply for a proxy vote

Bring photo ID to vote at a polling station

You now are required by law to show an approved form of photo ID in order to vote at a polling station. This will also include at the UK General Election expected in 2024.

Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents and some concessionary travel passes. You will find more information here

What if my photo ID has expired?

You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

What should I do if I don’t have an accepted form of photo ID?

You can apply for a free photo ID to vote, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, before 5pm on 24 April. You must be registered to vote and will need to provide your date of birth, National Insurance number and a recent photograph with your application.

There are several ways to apply:

• Apply online at GOV.UK
• Print out, complete and return this form to: Civic Reception, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH
• Go in person to Reception at Civic Offices (SN1 2JH) on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm to collect a form
• Call the Council on 01793 445500 to request a paper form

Postal voters are not affected by the voter ID changes and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual. If you choose to vote by proxy, the person who is trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their own identification to be issued with a ballot paper.

Find more information about the voter ID requirement