Have your say at local elections

Thousands of council seats are up for election in many parts of England this May. This run-up to local elections can be a good time to raise awareness about problems that blind and partially sighted people face in your area. This is because politicians want your support and vote.

Ahead of this year’s local elections, we are encouraging you to write to the people asking for your vote. This will help raise their awareness of the issues that affect visually impaired people.

By reaching out to the people running for election in your area and by asking them to help with key issues, you can help make a difference. Councils publish a list of candidates and can provide contact information. If you don’t know who your candidates are, or if you have elections, visit your local council’s website or give them a call.

Use our sample email

To help you raise these issues at election time, we have provided a sample email below for you to use. You can download it or copy and paste it, and add your own story and requests. The more personal your message is, the more likely it is that the politicians will listen to you.

 

Download our template letter to council candidates 

 

For the first time, voters will be required to show an approved form of ID at polling stations to vote.

This is a key part of the Elections Act 2022. The Government believes photo ID will improve the security of elections by reducing voter fraud. Anyone who does not have one of the required forms of photo ID can get a free voter identification document from their local council. This is called a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).

For more information about what suitable voter ID and how to apply for a VAC, click the link below.

 

Learn more about changes to voting

 

Publication date: 21 February 2023