Voters in the Taunton area are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote by today (Monday 17 April) so they can take part in electing the new Taunton Parish Council on 4 May.
It’s quick and easy to register to vote, but after today’s deadline of 11.59pm, it will be too late for the 4 May election. It takes around five minutes to register – just make sure you have your National Insurance number in hand. It is easy to register online.
The deadline for postal vote applications is tomorrow (Tuesday 18 April) for those who may be away on polling day, or who cannot get to a polling station. application forms can be downloaded here https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post – the deadline for applications is 5pm on 18 April.
This year voters will also need Voter ID if planning to vote in person at a polling station. Accepted forms of ID include a passport; driving licence; an older person’s bus pass. Over ID is not needed for postal voting.
You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date if it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
Those without the necessary ID still have time to apply for the FREE Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) – the deadline is Tuesday 25 April. Applications can be made online, by post or in person. Help and advice are available from Somerset Council’s electoral team on 01823 358692.
The call for voters to sign up and ensure they have the necessary Voter ID aims to encourage as many people as possible to register before the elections taking place this year for the first parish-level council in Taunton for almost 50 years.
In Taunton, the new council will be responsible for street care and cleaning, parks and open spaces (excluding Vivary Park), toilets, events, allotments, and the Mayoralty. It will also be able to comment on planning decisions.
The website is now available www.taunton-tc.gov.uk and the Council can be contacted on: Email: info@taunton-tc.gov.uk Tel: 01823 793637 Council Offices, PO Box 998, Taunton, TA1 9QQ. The website has further information on the elections Council Elections | Taunton Town Council (taunton-tc.gov.uk)
If you have any queries regarding your right to vote, please contact a member of the Elections Team at electionsswt@somerset.gov.uk or contact Electoral Services at 01823 358692.
