Residents reminded of upcoming local elections

Residents are reminded that local elections will be taking place on Thursday, 4 May in the Chester-le-Street East Division, and in two Great Aycliffe Town Council wards - West; and Byerley Park, Horndale and Cobblers Hall wards.

Residents wishing to vote at these elections must be registered to vote in the area and must also show an acceptable form of photo ID, in line with the Government's Elections Act 2022.

Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, driving licences and concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass.

Voters will also be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photograph. A full list of acceptable photo ID can be found at Gov.uk: How to vote

All applications for a free Voter Authority Certificate for these elections must be received by 5.00pm on Tuesday, 25 April.

Poll cards for this election will be delivered to residents on the electoral register from Tuesday 11 April and residents can request a postal or proxy vote.

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April, and 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April for proxy vote applications.

Anyone who is not registered, or has recently moved house in these areas and has not informed electoral services, is encouraged to register by Monday 17 April at Register to vote through Gov.uk