Two days left to register for postal votes at elections on 2 May

The deadline for applying for a postal vote in the forthcoming London Mayor, London Assembly and West Putney ward council by-election is 5pm on Wednesday, 17 April.

This applies only to people who have not previously applied for a postal vote and are now doing so for the first time. Those who have used postal votes in previous elections do not need to apply again.

To request a postal vote for the elections being held on Thursday, 2 May people should apply online at GOV.UK.

As part of the measures introduced by the Elections Act 2022 you will now need to provide:

•    Your date of birth, and
•    Your National Insurance number

This will then need to be verified against government records. This is an anti-fraud measure to protect the integrity of the postal voting system.

You will also need to provide a copy of your signature.

When applying online you will need to upload a clear version of your signature. If you are taking a photo, please ensure the following:

•    The image of your signature must be clear
•    There should be no shadows over the signature

If you are unable to apply online, you can download a PDF version or contact us for a paper version.

Anyone applying for a new postal vote should receive their postal voting pack around 23 April.

To be eligible to vote in these election on 2 May you must:

• Be registered to vote 
• 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 

All London residents can vote in the Mayor and assembly elections, while those who live in West Putney ward will also be able to vote for a new local councillor.

People planning to vote in person at a polling station will now need to bring photographic ID following Government changes to election rules.

These new rules, which apply across the country, mean that anyone wishing to vote in person at any election must now show photographic ID. 

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

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

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 – Thursday, 2 May - and voters are asked to attend in plenty of time and avoid a last-minute rush.

For more information about voting please visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/vote