Residents in Featherstone reminded to register to vote for December by-election

The election has been called following the death of long-standing Councillor Graham Isherwood.

Tony Reeves, Wakefield Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “You must be registered to vote to have your say in the Featherstone by-election. It’s really easy to register online and only takes five minutes. So please don’t delay and get registered before the deadline.”

One seat is up for election in Featherstone and residents have until midnight on November 26 to make sure they are registered, in order to vote.

If people are going to be on holiday, working away from home or find it difficult to get to a polling station they can apply for a postal or proxy vote. But they must first ensure they are registered to vote, before making an application.

The deadline to apply for a new postal vote or a new postal proxy vote, or to make changes to existing postal or proxy postal votes is 5pm on Wednesday, November 27. Apply here.

The deadline for new proxy vote applications (not postal proxy or emergency proxies) is 5pm on Wednesday, December 4. Apply here.

Residents are also reminded that they will need to show photo ID before voting at their polling station.

It is quick and simple to register to vote by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. People will need their date of birth and National Insurance number to hand. They can also opt to have their details excluded from the ‘open register’, meaning that the information cannot be used for direct marketing.

It is important that everyone eligible is registered to vote because banks, building societies and loan companies, use the register to verify the address of applicants before approving loans and bank accounts.

Anyone who has moved house recently, or changed other details such as their name, may not be registered correctly so should contact Electoral Services to check by calling 01924 305023 or by emailing [email protected].

Those aged 16 and 17 can also register to vote so that they will be eligible to vote in the next election after their 18th birthday. For more information, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/elections