Category: Democracy

Categories
Democracy Elections

Be ready to vote on 4 May – bring ID

Voter ID

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections for Edenbridge Town Council and Sevenoaks District Council on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:

• Passport

• Driving licence (including provisional license)

• Blue badge

• Certain concessionary travel cards

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

• Biometric Immigration document

• Defence identity card

• Certain national identity cards

For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the electoral services team at Sevenoaks District Council.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, contact Sevenoaks District Council. Email electoral.service@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227000.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Register to vote

The deadline to register to vote in the elections in England on 4 May 2023 is 11.59 pm on Monday 17 April

To register to vote online, you need just five minutes and your National Insurance number.

REgister to vote
Categories
Democracy

Our pledge for Civility & Respect

In support of the National Association for Local Councils (NALC) and Society for Local Council Clerks‘ work to ensure the wellbeing of all councillors, officers and staff in their duties, Edenbridge Town Council is pleased to have recently signed up to its Civility & Respect Pledge.

Over 800 councils have now signed the pledge, which aims to improve behaviour and governance within the sector, and promote respect for all those carrying out public duties.

Among other actions, the Council has pledged to: Treat all councillors, clerk and all employees, members of the public, representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their role.

Find out more about what the Civility & Respect Pledge means.

Chairman of Edenbridge Town Council, Cllr Bob Todd, said: “By pledging to do our bit at Edenbridge Town Council, we hope we can help address the growing concerns in our sector around bullying and harassment, and ensure that we can continue to run as an effective council for the whole of our community and democracy at large.”

“Civility and respect should be at the heart of public life, and good governance is fundamental to ensuring an effective and well-functioning democracy at all levels,” says NALC.

“The intimidation, abuse, bullying and harassment of councillors, clerks and council staff, in person or online, is unacceptable, whether by councillors, clerks, council staff, or public members.

“This can prevent councils from functioning effectively, councillors from representing local people, discourage people from getting involved (including standing for election), and undermine public confidence and trust in local democracy.”

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons