Residents reminded ‘Voter ID’ rules are in place for next week’s Tooting Broadway by-election 

The by-election is being held in Tooting Broadway ward on Thursday, 18 January, following the resignation of former Councillor Kate Forbes for work reasons. 

Under new nationwide electoral rules those wishing to vote in person are now required to 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 - but they must do so by 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 January).

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 the day of the by-election - Thursday, 18 January. Voters are asked to attend in plenty of time and avoid a last-minute rush.

People who have requested a postal vote will receive their ballot papers in advance and are being reminded they must complete the security declaration with a signature and date of birth.

Postal votes should be clearly marked on the ballot paper and returned so they arrive before 10pm on 18 January. Votes not returned ahead of this deadline will not be counted. 

Completed postal votes that have missed the post can also be taken (in the envelope provided) to any polling station in the ward on the day of the by-election between 7am and 10pm.

Residents who wish to vote but cannot physically attend a polling station on the day can apply for a proxy vote instead. This will allow a trusted friend or family member to vote on their behalf at their designated polling station.

The deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy is 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 January).

On the day of the by-election itself if there is a sudden and unforeseen reason why a resident cannot vote in person, they can apply for an emergency proxy vote. The deadline for requesting an emergency proxy is 5pm on Thursday, 18 January. 

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