Poll cards will start landing on doormats across the Malvern Hills District this week as the countdown to this year's local elections begins.
Residents are being urged to look out for the cards and if they haven't received one by 6 April 2023 to contact Malvern Hills District Council's (MHDC) elections team as it could be a sign they are not registered to vote.
The deadline to register to vote for May's local elections is midnight on Monday 17 April, 2023. Registration can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Poll cards will be different to usual as they will be a larger size and will include details of the new Voter ID requirement. Voters will need to show a valid form of Photo ID at a polling station otherwise they won't be allowed to vote in May's district and parish elections.
Around 1,300 voters in Malvern Hills may not have the right photo ID to vote in these elections. Anyone who doesn't have a valid form of photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023. More information is available at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/elections.
Nominations have also opened for anyone wanting to stand for election as a district, town or parish councillor. Nominations are also being accepted for anyone wishing to stand as a councillor in the Malvern Chase division of Worcestershire County Council.
Potential candidates have until 4pm on Tuesday, 4 April 2023 to return the nomination forms by hand to MHDC's elections team at the Council Chamber, Council House, Avenue Road in Great Malvern.
Voters will elect 31 councillors to MHDC this time, instead of the usual 38, following a review of the council's electoral wards.
Andy Baldwin, Returning Officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Please look out for your poll card over the next couple of weeks and read it carefully as it will tell you everything you need to know about the new Voter ID requirement.
"If you don't receive one by early April please let the elections team know so we can make sure you are registered to vote as we don't want anyone to miss out on having their say at the ballot box.
"Please also check your poll card carefully for the location of your polling station as this may have changed following a review of the electoral wards in the Malvern Hills."
For more information visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/elections or call the elections team on 01684 862200.
