THE local council elections will take place on Thursday 4 May 2023. The notice of election for Harlow has been published today at https://www.harlow.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Notice%20of%20election%20-%20local%20elections%204%20May%202023.pdf.

Key election dates

Residents must have registered to vote to be able to vote in these elections. The last day to register to vote is Monday 17 April 2023. Residents can register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Residents who are registered will receive their poll card, which will be delivered between 24 March and 31 March 2023. The poll card will look different this year – it will be A4 size and delivered in an envelope. The poll card is for information only and residents do not need it to be able to vote.

Polling stations will be open 7am to 10pm on Thursday 4 May 2023. Residents who can’t or don’t want to go to the polling station are encouraged to apply early for a postal vote.

With a postal vote, the ballot papers will be sent out to residents to complete in the post.  The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023.  Ballot papers will be sent out on Wednesday 19 April 2023.

With a proxy vote, residents can appoint someone to go to the polling station to vote on their behalf. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Residents who do not have any ID for the new voter security measures must apply for a voter authority certificate by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Residents can apply for a postal or proxy vote at www.harlow.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/how-vote  

New voter ID

The government has introduced new voter security measures, so for the first time voters will have to show photo ID at the polling station.

Acceptable ID will include a:

• passport
• photo driving licence
• national concessionary bus pass

A full list of accepted photo ID is at https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need

The full list will also be included on the back of the poll card.