Reminder for residents ahead of May elections

On Thursday 2 May, elections are taking place to appoint a Police and Crime Commissioner for the Durham Police area, which includes Durham and Darlington, and a Mayor for the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority.

There will also be a local election taking place on this day for Durham County Council's Horden division.

Registering to vote

Poll cards will be delivered to residents from 25 March. Anyone currently registered and eligible to vote in this election will receive a poll card with details of their voting preference.

Anyone who is listed on the electoral register can request a postal or proxy vote, which can now be done online.

To apply for postal or proxy vote online, voters will need to provide their national insurance number and their signature to be checked by the Department of Work and Pensions.

For these elections, the deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April and 5pm on Wednesday 24 April for proxy vote applications.

For these elections, the deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 16 April. Anyone who is not registered or has recently moved house and not informed electoral services is encouraged to register by the deadline.

Voter ID

All applications for a free Voter Authority Certificate for this election must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

Anyone who wishes to vote in person at these elections must show an acceptable form of photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence or concessionary travel pass. 

Voters who do not have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.