How to vote in the General Election

West Berkshire Council is gearing up to hold parliamentary elections following the announcement of a general election on Thursday 4 July.

With polls opening in just six weeks residents are encouraged to register to vote now if they are not already on the electoral register. Registering to vote takes only a few minutes and can be done online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you are unsure if you’re registered to vote or you need help you can contact their Electoral Services team on 01635 519464 or by email at [email protected]. The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is Tuesday 18 June.

Residents can also vote by post in advance of polling day or nominate someone to vote on their behalf (a proxy vote) with more information about how to do this available on their website.

This will be the first general election at which voters are required to show Photo ID. Information on accepted forms of Photo ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website. You can also visit the website to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate if you don’t have another acceptable document to show.

West Berkshire Council’s Chief Executive Nigel Lynn will act as the Returning Officer overseeing the election locally. Speaking about the plans he said:

“A parliamentary election is something we knew was coming and we have been preparing for it for some time. Following last week’s announcement we will be putting this plan into action ready to welcome residents to polling stations on Thursday 4 July.

“With only a short time until the election it’s important that residents are ready for it. I would encourage everyone to register to vote if they have not already done so and to consider if they need a postal or proxy vote. Happening during the summer holiday period, it may be people will be away so please don’t leave it to the last minute if you need to arrange to vote in advance or arranging for someone to do so on your behalf.”

For the first time, residents will be electing Members of Parliament for the new constituencies of Newbury, and Reading West and Mid Berkshire. Since the general election in 2019, the two new constituencies have been created as part of a national boundary review to rebalance the number of electors in each area. The two constituencies span West Berkshire along with the wards of Kentwood, Norcot and Tilehurst within the Reading Borough Council area. West Berkshire Council will be administering the elections for both constituencies.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 4 July. Your polling station may have changed since you last voted so please check the venue on your polling card, or check it online nearer to polling day.