Deadlines looming to take part in general election

Residents who want to take part in the general election on Thursday 4 July are being reminded of two important deadlines that will soon arrive.

If you’re not already registered, the first step for residents is to register to vote which can be done online and takes just five minutes. The deadline to register is 11.59pm on Tuesday 18 June and all you need is your national insurance number.

You normally only need to register once – not for every election. However, you need to register again if you have changed your name, address or nationality.

The other crucial deadline next week is for anyone who wishes to vote by post and has not already applied The deadline for this is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June and this also applies to people who want to cancel or amend an existing postal or proxy vote.

A postal vote is a form of absent voting and ensures residents can have their say, even if they are unable to vote in person at the polling station. For example, they may be unable to vote if they are at work, on holiday or have a medical condition or disability that makes it difficult.

Following recent changes to elections and voting, it is now possible to apply for a postal vote online. Residents must now prove their identity when applying for a postal vote and reapply every three years, previously five years.

Residents have a little more time to apply for a proxy vote, with the deadline being 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

To receive a paper application form for either a postal or proxy vote, you can contact the electoral services team by email or call (0118) 974 6000. This form can be returned by email or by post to Shute End in Wokingham.

Andrew Moulton, Acting Returning Officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Ensuring you are registered to vote is the first important step to take before you can take part in the upcoming general election. It is a quick and easy process and ensures your voice will be heard on polling day.

“If you are going to be away on the day of the election for whatever reason, applying for a postal vote is a simple way to protect your vote.

“I would also urge residents to remember to bring suitable photo ID if they are voting in person on 4 July, as they will not be able to vote without it.”

Changes to parliamentary constituencies

There have been many changes to elections and voting in recent years, in addition to a review of the parliamentary boundaries, which means people may be in a different constituency to the one they last voted at the 2019 general election.

All residents in Wokingham Borough now fall into one of two constituencies:

• Earley and Woodley
• Wokingham

Residents can check their constituency by putting their postcode into the Electoral Commission’s upcoming elections checker.