FAQs

• When is the election?

  The election takes place on Thursday 2nd May 2024. Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm

• Who is being elected?

  All 54 borough council seats are up for election this time.

• Why are there three Lib Dem candidates?

  Each ward has three councillors and all three are being elected this year. You can vote for up to three candidates, you don't need to use all your votes but can vote once for three different candidates.

  In future, the elections will be "by thirds" meaning that 1 third of the councillors (one in each ward) is elected each year, in three out of the 4 years. 

  The candidate in each ward with the most votes will next be up for election in 4 years' time. The candidate with the second most votes will next be up for election in 3 years' time, and the candidate in third place will be up in 2 years' time. After that they will each have 4 year terms.

• Why has my ward changed?

  The Local Government Boundary Commission has redrawn the boundaries in Wokingham. All parties were consulted during the process and we now have wards with 3 councillors each. Everyone in the borough can vote 3 times every 4 years.

• How do I register to vote?

  You can register to vote here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote 

  You can also use this page to update your name and address on the electoral roll.

• Can I vote by post?

  Anyone can apply for a postal vote using this webpage: https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote It can all be done online now, but you will need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature. For these local elections, you must apply no later than 5pm 11 working days before the election.

  Note you can drop off your postal vote at the polling station on the day, but there will now be a short form to fill in when you do so. You can get someone else to drop it off for you, but they can only drop off 5 postal vote packs, in attition to their own. 

  You can not give your postal voting pack to a campaigner for a candidate or a political party for them to drop off.

• Can someone vote for me?

  If you are unable to go to the polling station in person, you can apply for someone else to vote on your behalf (a proxy). You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day. You can do so here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote 

  If you miss the deadline for a proxy vote, you might be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote, information can be found at the link above.

• Do I need voter ID?

  You will need photo ID, and only certain types are allowed. The name on the ID must match the name on the electoral register, so if you have changed your surname recently, it's best to make sure you're registed to vote with the same name as your ID.

  Accepted forms of photo ID include:

  • Passport

  • Full or provisional driving licence

  • Blue badge

  • Certain concessionary travel cards, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card

  • Identity card with Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) mark

  • Biometric Immigration document

  • Defence identity card

  • Certain national identity cards

  Expired ID will also be accepted as long as the photograph on the document still resembles a likeness of the elector. 

  A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and how to apply.

• What if I don't have ID?

  If you do not have ID, you can apply for a voter authority certificate until 5pm on Wednesday 24th April. There is more information here: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/elections-and-voting/voter-id

• Are there any other elections happening on that day?

  We do not know exactly when the next general election will be, but there are definetly police and crime comissioner elections happening on that day at the same time. See the link at the bottom of the page to find out about Tim Bearder, the Liberal Democrat candidate.

• I'm a student, or spend my time in two different homes, where can I vote?

  The rules about voting depend on the type of election. Find out more here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/other-registration-options/voting-and-second-homes

  You might be able to vote at both of your addresses if they are in different council areas, depending on the election. Check the details carefully before doing do.

• Which ward am I in?

  You can see the new boundary maps here: https://wokingham.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=be3c2d5aa3f84eddb1035b2d81aec6dd

• Where is my polling station?

  Your poll card will give you this information but you can also find it here: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/elections-and-voting/where-vote

• Where can I find out information about the Liberal Democrat candidates?

  Our ward pages have information about all our candidates. 

• Where can I see the Liberal Democrat Manifesto?

  Our local manifesto can be found here:

• Where can I get more information?

  The Council website has more information:

  https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/elections-and-voting/current-elections/

• Do I need my poll card to vote?

  You do not need to take your polling card to the station, but you will need photo ID to vote. There are more details in the voter ID section.

• Will you knock on my door on polling day?

  On polling day, our volunteers will be out knocking on doors to remind people about the election. 

  You might see some of our (or other party's) volunteers outside the polling station asking for a number from your poll card. You do not need to give it, but if you do, we can cross you off our list and then we won't knock on your door to remind you it's election day. (A lot of people forget and appreciate the reminder.)

  Alternatively you can tell us you have voted by filling in the "I've voted" form at the bottom of the page on this link.