People living in north Oxfordshire will go to the polls on Thursday 2 May, to vote for their district councillors and the next Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley police area.
Published: Friday, 22nd March 2024
Cherwell District Council is reminding voters that they must show photo ID at polling stations and is encouraging them to plan ahead, whether they prefer voting in person or using a postal or proxy vote.
Gordon Stewart, Returning Officer, said: “District councillors are the community’s voice on the authority that runs key public services like housing, leisure, waste collection and planning. We’d like as many people as possible to have their say and are here to help if they have questions about what they need to do to get ready to vote.
“Last year, for the first time, voters had to show photo ID at polling stations. We’re reminding people about that again this year, as well as about some more recent changes to postal voting. People can now apply online for a postal vote, and there are also some changes which affect returning a postal vote to us at the polling station to be aware of too.
“If you’re not registered to vote, you won’t be able to have your say on polling day. If you’ve recently moved home, turned 18 or changed your name, register to vote by 16 April.”
In the upcoming elections, one-third of the seats on Cherwell District Council will be decided. Additionally, one-third of parishes across the district will have elections, and there will be an election for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley police area, which is run every four years. The PCC’s role is to ensure effective policing in communities and to oversee how crime is tackled.
Some electors will also vote for the Deddington Neighbourhood Plan.
Those already registered to vote at their current address do not need to re-register. However, anyone who has moved home since they last registered to vote, changed their name, or recently turned 18 must register to vote before midnight on Monday 16 April, if they want to have their say on polling day.
The returning officer has published a notice of election, meaning candidates can now be nominated. A list of those standing will be published on the council website by 4pm on Monday 8 April.
As well as voting in person at a polling station, people can opt for a postal or proxy vote instead. With a proxy vote, electors choose a trusted person to vote on their behalf. The proxy will vote in the polling station of the elector they represent and must show their own photo ID when voting as a proxy.
In the coming days, electors will receive poll cards advising which elections are scheduled where they live.