Plymouth residents have just hours left to get election ready before the first major deadline for next month’s local elections expires.
Anyone who wishes to vote in the Plymouth City Council elections on Thursday (7 May) must be registered by midnight tonight Monday (20 April).
In order to take part, residents are required to be registered by tonight's deadline and have an accepted form of photo ID if voting in person.
People who are planning to vote by post are also urged to check that their postal vote is still valid.
Following national changes introduced through the Elections Act 2022, postal voters are now required to reapply every three years.
Reapplying is quick and easy online - you’ll need your National Insurance number, date of birth and a digital signature.
The deadlines are:
- Deadline to register to vote: 20 April 2026 (midnight)
- Deadline to apply or change a postal vote: 21 April 2026 (5pm)
- Deadline to apply for Voter ID certificate: 28 April 2026 (5pm)
- Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 28 April 2026 (5pm)
Government Digital Service
Tracey Lee, Returning Officer for Plymouth, said:
“With key deadlines fast approaching, this is the final window for people to make sure they can take part in May’s local elections. Registering to vote is quick and straightforward, but you must be signed up by 20 April to have your say.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t yet registered, or who needs to check their voting arrangements, to act now. That includes postal voters -recent changes mean postal votes now need to be renewed every three years, so it’s important to check yours is still valid.
“I’d also remind voters that photo ID is required at polling stations. Please take a moment to check which forms of ID are accepted and, if you don’t have one, apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline so you don’t miss out.”
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