Calderdale residents are being urged to register to vote and check voter application deadlines, to ensure they can have their say in the upcoming local election.
On Thursday 7 May, residents in Calderdale will vote for their local councillors. This year is an ‘all out election’ meaning every seat across the borough is up for election and electors will have the opportunity to vote for up to three candidates on their ballot paper.
54 Councillors will be elected at the same time, increasing from the current total of 51. This is because of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s Electoral Review(external link), which looked at whether there was enough democratic representation in the borough.
The review concluded that Calderdale should be split into 18 wards (currently 17), with three elected Members for each ward. This means that the names and boundaries of a number of wards have also changed.
The terms of office for each elected member will be:
- The candidate with the highest number of votes will receive a four year term until May 2030
- The candidate with the second highest number of votes will receive a two year term until May 2028
- The candidate with the third highest number of votes will receive a one year term until May 2027
For more information about the elections in Calderdale on Thursday 7 May, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/council/elections-and-voting(external link)
To vote in any election in the UK, residents must be registered to vote. The deadline for the May election is by Monday 20 April. It’s quick and easy to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote(external link). Alternatively, contact Electoral Services on 01422 393103 to request a form.
For people choosing to vote by post, the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April.
New applications to vote by proxy (for someone else to vote on your behalf) at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at the council by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.
People planning to vote at a polling station must make sure they take a valid for of ID with them. Accepted forms of photo ID include a passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, bus pass and many others. Visit the Council’s voter identification(external link) web page for the full list.
Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer, Robin Tuddenham, said:
“Having your say at local elections means you’re influencing essential services which are delivered by councils, including education, social care, highways and transport, planning, waste, libraries, parks and more. Councillors represent your ward and help set priorities for the borough.
“This will be the first ‘all-out’ election for 22 years, where every seat across the borough is up for election and electors will have the opportunity to vote for up to three candidates on their ballot paper. This is due to the changes in the number of wards and the ward boundaries in the borough, following the Local Government’s Boundary Commission Review.
“Our elections team are incredibly busy preparing for this large-scale election. We’re also urging residents to be prepared and ensure they’re registered to vote and have considered how they might want to cast their vote.”
ENDS