WITH MAY’S local elections and an additional by-election impending, there are now only three weeks left for residents to register to vote, including by post.
Thursday, May 7 will see residents go to the polls as 17 seats go up for election, covering every single ward across Reading.
This includes Caversham Heights, where there is an additional by-election and so two Councillors are being elected.
Midnight on Monday, April 20 is the deadline to ensure you can vote.
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is the following day, on Tuesday, April 21, at 5pm.
Those who still prefer to vote at local polling stations can find out where their allocated polling station is on their polling card.
The first batch of polling cards will shortly be posted out in the coming weeks, with a second batch posted out towards the end of April.
When they arrive, please do take a minute to check your details and voting method are correct.
A full list of the forms of ID you can use to vote in person is available via the Electoral Commission website.
You can also use expired ID, as long as you are still recognisable from the photo.
If you do not have the right ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online until 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.
You can also appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote, also until 5pm on April 28.
Louise Duffield, Returning Officer for Reading Borough Council, said: “We’re really keen to see as many residents as possible exercising their democratic right and voting in May’s local elections.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out because they weren’t aware of the deadline for registering, which is now only three short weeks away.
“Take 5 minutes out of the long Easter weekend coming up to make sure you are registered, or to apply for a postal or proxy vote if you need one.
“It’s really quick and easy to do online but, as always, if you have any questions we are here to help and don’t hesitate to contact the council who have a team of willing staff on hand to support residents.”
A full list of candidates will be published on Friday, April 10.
Full details are available via: reading.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy
