Formal Notice of Poll is being published today (Tuesday 25 April) in advance of the elections to the new Taunton Parish Council on 4 May.

The Notice covers all 14 wards for the new parish-level council which came into being on 1 April. A total of 20 councillors are due to be elected. The Notices – one for each ward – detail the candidates and the locations of polling stations.

The election coincides with the introduction of Voter ID. Everyone voting in person at a polling station must show photographic proof of identity such as a driving licence, passport or a concessionary bus pass. The full list is available here

Anyone without acceptable ID can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) as long as they are registered to vote – but MUST do so by 5pm today (Tuesday 25 April). After that, it will be too late. Somerset Council’s Electoral Services team can take the photo needed for the certificate and help electors fill in the form – the service is available by calling to make an appointment on 01823 358692.

There is still time to apply online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate Voters will need to upload a photo, their full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.

Polls open at 7am on Thursday 4 May and stay open until 10pm. Votes will be counted overnight, and the results will be posted on Somerset Council’s website  and on Taunton Parish Council’s website: https://www.taunton-tc.gov.uk/