Are you ready for the Parliamentary General election? Voters encouraged to make sure they are prepared to make sure they can vote

Changes to the Parliamentary boundaries mean that West Oxfordshire District will now form part of three parliamentary constituencies, rather than the one it currently does. https://news.westoxon.gov.uk/news/changes-to-parliamentary-boundaries-across-the-west-oxfordshire-district-to-come-into-effect-for-next-general-election 

To take part in any election, anyone over the age of 18 must be registered to vote at the address they live in. Some people eligible to vote may not be registered and therefore will not be able to cast a vote. This may be because they have recently moved or are voting for the first time. If you are already registered to vote, you do not need to apply again. Poll Cards will be issued to all eligible voters during the first week of June. 

Residents can make an application to register to vote through the Government website which takes only five minutes to complete. Applications for registration must be received by Tuesday 18 June and can do so at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Citizens of the European Union are not entitled to vote at UK Parliamentary Elections and will not receive a poll card for this election. 

If you are a British or eligible Irish citizen living abroad who has previously lived in the UK or been registered to vote in the UK, you can register to vote in UK Parliamentary elections.  

A number of changes to UK residents living overseas now apply:  

• You can register to vote if you previously lived in the UK but were not registered to vote.  
• You can register to vote in the UK no matter how long ago you left or were last registered to vote. 
• You can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  

Further information and guidance for overseas registrations and voting can be found here https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/other-registration-options/voting-if-you-live-overseas Please note you can only apply to vote by post or proxy if you are registered as an overseas elector.  The deadline for applications is midnight on Tuesday 18 June 2024. 

Some residents prefer to vote by post, by using a postal vote, residents can make sure their voice is heard at the elections from the safety of their home. Residents can apply to receive their vote by post, before the application deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 19 June. Applications can be made online by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.  

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 unless you wish to amend your existing postal vote, you must do this by 5pm on Wednesday 19 June. 

Electors may also choose to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf in the polling station. To be able to vote by proxy, applications must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June. Proxy voters will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else. Applications can be made online by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote. 

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

Accepted forms of photographic ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth photocard drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness. Voters 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 online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. 

More information is available on the West Oxfordshire District Council website, including details of how to apply for the free ID. Anyone not able to visit the council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, is being encouraged to contact the Council by calling 01993 861410. Residents must have applied for their Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm Wednesday 26 June. 

Giles Hughes, Acting Returning Officer for the Witney Constituency, said: 

“It is important that those who want to vote in the general election make sure they are registered, have applied for a postal or proxy vote if they prefer, and to ensure they have an accepted form of photo ID for voting in the polling station. 

“Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper as part of national law. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.  

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form which is available at our offices or by calling us at 01993 861410. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form please contact us at the number above.”