The Statement of Persons Nominated for three town council by elections in Somerset have been published, and residents in the electoral areas are reminded that they must be registered if they want to vote.
The by election for the Abbey Manor South Ward at Yeovil Town Council takes place on 14 December.
By elections for the Fairfax East Ward at Bridgwater Town Council, and the Highbridge Ward at Burnham and Highbridge Town Council are scheduled for 18 December 2023.
Registering to vote is quick and easy online via Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Eligible voters planning to vote in person at their local polling station must provide acceptable ID. Those without an accepted type of ID can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate, at Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) or by applying for and submitting a paper form to Somerset Council’s electoral services. Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a passport type photograph.
Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
A new digital service has been launched to allow electors to apply online via GOV.UK for a postal or proxy vote. Paper applications will still be available, giving electors a choice of application routes.
The voter registration deadline for the Yeovil by election is midnight on 28 November. The deadline for Voter ID applications for the Yeovil by election is 5pm on 6 December.
Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Somerset Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA20 2HT by 5pm on Wednesday 29 November.
The voter registration deadline for the Bridgwater and Highbridge by elections is midnight on 30 November.
The deadline for Voter ID applications for the Bridgwater and Highbridge by elections is by elections is 5pm on 8 December.
Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Somerset Council Offices, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR by 5pm on Friday 1 December.
Further details on all three by elections are available by visiting Electoral Services (somerset.gov.uk) – for Highbridge and Bridgwater, click the Sedgemoor link; for Yeovil Abbey Manor, click the South Somerset link.
