Notices

New laws mean that when someone hands in a postal vote at a reception point or at a polling station, a Postal Vote Return form must now also be completed. This could be time-consuming.

So, voters are being encouraged to use Royal Mail and post their vote in good time for it to be counted.

Postal votes receive a speedy service from Royal Mail and are easily identified by the purple flashes marked on the envelopes. They are delivered up to 9.30pm on polling day which is why Royal Mail should be the preferred method of returning them.

Voters can check their nearest post box and collection times via Services near you | Royal Mail Group Ltd.

Postal votes can still be handed in and the relevant forms completed during office hours only at these four locations in Somerset:

• Bridgwater House, Bridgwater
• Shape Office, Shepton Mallet
• West Somerset House, Williton
• Petters House, Petters Way, Yeovil

Voters need to know that any postal votes left at offices or put in office post boxes must be rejected.

You can only vote once in the General Election

Voters registered at two addresses – such as students or those with second homes – can only vote once. You will need to choose one address and vote in only that area when you’re voting in:

• UK Parliament elections
• UK referendums
• London Assembly and London Mayoral elections

You can’t vote at both addresses at these elections. Voting in more than one location is a criminal offence.

Don’t forget you need photo ID to vote on 4 July

For the first time at a general election, voters will need to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper in polling stations. Those without an accepted type of ID can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate, at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by applying for and submitting a paper form to Electoral Services at Somerset Council.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

Those who 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 or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Duncan Sharkey, Acting Returning Officer for Somerset Council’s seven constituencies, said: “As the deadline to apply for free ID fast approaches, it is important that Somerset residents make sure they’re election ready. If you need any help with applying for free ID or want to request an application form, you can contact the electoral services team on 0300 123 2224 or email elections@somerset.gov.uk.”

Voters also have the option to vote by post or proxy. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm Wednesday 19 June, and the deadline for a proxy vote is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote or how to apply by post or by proxy, voters can visit General Election 2024 (somerset.gov.uk).

A General Election has been called for Thursday 4 July and Somerset residents will be able to cast their vote to elect their MP. Boundaries have changed since the last General Election so there are now seven constituencies in the Somerset Council administrative area. They are: Bridgwater; Frome and East Somerset; Glastonbury and Somerton; Taunton and Wellington; Tiverton and Minehead; Wells and Mendip Hills; and Yeovil.

The Notice of Election is being published next week and the nomination period for prospective Parliamentary candidates (PPCs) closes on Friday 7 June at 4pm.

To vote, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Somerset Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote. If in doubt, you can check with Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 18 June. It takes just five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm Wednesday 19 June.

Electors voting in person at the polling station are now required to present an accepted photo ID before being issued with their ballot paper.

Those who are registered to vote at the polling station but do not have an accepted photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline at 5pm on Wednesday 26 June. You can apply online via: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

Voters have a range of options for casting their vote – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

If you have any questions about Voter ID or would like to request a paper form to apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, contact 0300 123 2224 or email elections@somerset.gov.uk.