Key deadlines approaching for local elections on 7 May

People across Milton Keynes are being reminded to check the key dates ahead of the local elections taking place on Thursday 7 May.

This year’s election for Milton Keynes City Council will be one of the biggest yet, with a record 310 candidates standing for 60 council seats across 21 wards.

To take part, residents must be registered to vote by Monday 20 April. Anyone wishing to vote by post should apply by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote, or for a free Voter Authority Certificate for those without photo ID, is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. Anyone voting in person will need to bring accepted photographic identification.

Changes have also been made to local ward boundaries following a national review, which takes place every ten years. The number of councillors in Milton Keynes has increased from 57 to 60, and the number of wards from 19 to 21. Most wards will elect three councillors, with New Bradwell electing two and Hanslope one. Residents can check their poll card to see which ward they are in and where to vote.

On polling day, people can also choose to cast their ballot at the Central Voting Hub in Midsummer Place, near Waterstones, as part of a Government trial to make voting more convenient. Each person can vote either at the Hub or at their usual polling station. Checks will be in place to make sure no one is able to vote more than once.

Important links:

• Register to vote
• Apply for a postal vote
• Apply for a proxy vote
• You can also apply for a free Voter ID known as a Voter Authority Certificate 

Further information is available on the Milton Keynes City Council website.