Voters reminded to make their mark in Leeds local elections on Thursday

Voters in Leeds are encouraged to have their say and reminded to take their identification with them for the local elections which take place on Thursday.

Polling stations across Leeds will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday (May 4) for everyone registered who has not already voted by post to support their candidates for Leeds City Council as well as Horsforth, Morley and Otley Town Councils. Anyone unsure of where their polling station is can find out via https://wheredoivote.co.uk

A new requirement for this year is the need for everyone who wishes to vote in person to remember to take their accepted form of photo ID with them to the polling station, which will be checked on arrival. To see the list of accepted forms of ID visit Voter photo ID (leeds.gov.uk). Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.  

It may be necessary for polling officials to ask voters to remove face coverings in order to verify their identity. Privacy booths will be available at all polling stations, with a choice of a male or female official to carry out the check. This process will take slightly longer than previously, so voters are requested to be patient while it is undertaken.

The need to have Voter ID only applies to those who wish to vote in person at a polling station or through a proxy in person, it does not affect those who vote by post.

Polling stations will also be able to accept completed postal ballots up to 10pm. Anyone who has not yet received their postal ballot pack should inform the elections team on 0113 222 4411 or email electors@leeds.gov.uk to arrange a replacement, which can be issued up to 5pm on polling day.

The election count itself will take place at the first direct arena during the day on Friday with results being posted on the council’s website and twitter account at @LeedsCC_News.

Elections Returning Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan said:

“We would encourage as many people as possible to make the most of their right to vote and take part in this week’s local elections. An important new element this year introduced by the government is everyone wanting to vote in person needs to take their photo ID with them to the polling station, so please don’t forget to take it with you.

“The process will take slightly longer than before as every ID will need to be checked by polling officials, so we ask for patience and understanding around this from everyone please.

“Thanks to all those people who have applied for a new free Voter ID and we look forward to another exciting election week in Leeds.”

The list of candidates standing for election to Leeds City Council can be seen at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/your-council/elections/leeds-city-council-elections, while the candidates for the town and parish councils can be seen at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/your-council/elections/parish-and-town-council-vacancies.

Information about the new Voter ID requirement and guiding around voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website at Voter ID | Electoral Commission.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007