Getting ready for the General Election on the 4th July

Voters across Gloucester are being encouraged to make sure they are able to vote in the General Election on July 4.

To be able to vote the deadline for applying is Tuesday June 18. It takes five minutes to complete the application at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you wish to vote by post instead of visiting the polling station in person, then the deadline for applying is 5pm on Wednesday June 19.

Anyone applying to vote by post will need to provide their national insurance number as part of the application. If you have an existing postal vote arrangement, you will not need to apply again.

Electors may also choose to vote by proxy – where another individual casts a vote on a registered voter’s behalf when that individual cannot vote themselves.

To be able to use a proxy vote, applications must be in by Wednesday June 26 by 5pm. Proxy voters will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else.

Electors choosing to vote in person are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in July by checking they have an accepted form of photographic ID. 

These include:

• a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
• a UK, EEA or Commonwealth photocard driving licence
• Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

Residents will be able to use expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness.

But you may be required to provide further proof of identity if there is any discrepancy between the name shown on the form of photographic ID and the name the voter claims at the polling station.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID, which can be completed online at: www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form which is available from the city council.

Residents must have applied for Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday June 26.