Residents reminded ‘Voter ID’ rules are in place for May’s GLA and Mayoral elections

These new rules, which apply across the country, mean that anyone wishing to vote in person at any election must now show photographic ID. This includes the West Putney ward by-election which is also being held on May 2.

The council’s website has more information about voter identification and the types of ID that are permitted. 

These rules will be in force for all the elections being held on Thursday, 2 May.

Residents who don’t have suitable ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

People who are eligible to vote but not registered to do so will need to register their details before midnight on Tuesday, 16 April. Registering can be done simply and easily online.

To be eligible to vote on 2 May you must: 

•    Be registered to vote 
•    Live in London 
•    Be at least 18-years-old on the day of the elections 
•    Be a British citizen, a European Union citizen or a Commonwealth citizen who has or does not require leave to remain in the UK 

Eligible voters will be able to vote for:

•    The Mayor of London, now elected on a first past the post system
•    The Merton and Wandsworth Constituency Assembly Member 
•    The London-wide Assembly Member 

Residents in West Putney will also be able to vote for a local councillor in a by-election being held that same day.

Ahead of polling day, registered voters will receive an official poll card containing details of their designated local polling station. If they wish to cast their vote they must do so at this specific polling station and not at any other. And while there is no need to take the poll card with them to the polling station, it will be helpful to staff if they do.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on election day – 2 May and voters are asked to attend in plenty of time and avoid a last-minute rush.

For more information about Voter ID rules, and other ways to vote, including by post or by proxy, please visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/vote