Make Sure You Can Vote at First All Out Elections in Reading for 18 Years

RESIDENTS have less than one month to register to vote ahead of Reading’s first all-out elections in 18 years.

Following the recent Local Ward Boundary Review, all of the borough’s 48 seats across 16 wards are up for election on Thursday May 5. Residents will be able to vote for up to three candidates on their ballot paper.

There are also changes to ward boundaries following the review. Residents are being asked to familiarise themselves with the ward changes ahead of polling day at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/18202.

People’s usual polling stations may have changed as a result of the review and electors can check their local polling station by using the polling station finder at https://democracyclub.org.uk/projects/election-widget/ or information on polling stations is also available on the Electoral Commission’s website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information.

As usual, there are a number of ways for people to cast their votes. Residents can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote. 

Staff will be on hand to assist voters with any questions about filling out their ballot paper. There are also a number of items that will be available at polling stations to help people cast their vote, including large print sample ballot papers and tactile voting devices to help those with a visual impairment.

The Council is encouraging people not already registered to apply now to ensure they are on the Electoral Register before the registration deadline of Thursday 14 April. If you choose to vote by post, the deadline to apply is 5.00pm on Tuesday 19 April. 

The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  Please visit Local Borough Elections 2022 - Reading Borough Council to download the Absent Vote Application Forms.

Polling cards will begin to be despatched from March 30. Residents are asked to checked their card carefully when it arrives to ensure their details and voting method is correct. 

Christopher Brooks, Electoral Registration Officer for Reading Borough Council, said:

“These are the first all-out elections in many years in Reading, which follow on from the recent Boundary Review. It means all 48 seats are up for election and that there have been changes to some polling stations.

“Even if you have voted at the same polling station for years, please take a minute or two to familiarise yourself with the changes ahead of polling day by using the Polling Station finder at https://democracyclub.org.uk/projects/election-widget/

“Of course, if you are not registered to vote you won’t be able to have your say on May 5, so we are urging all residents not yet registered to do it now ahead of the deadline for applications. As always, the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You do not need your poll card to vote, but we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient.

“And while we are thankfully not in the same position with regard to the pandemic as this time last year, residents can be assured that the election team at Reading will again be putting in place the same arrangements we had last year to ensure people feel safe when they visit their local polling station in May.”

It is not too late for people to apply to vote by post or by proxy. Residents can request an application be sent to them by contacting the Electoral Services Team by emailing Elections@reading.gov.uk or phoning 0118 937 3717.

Residents can visit the FAQ page on the website at Local Borough Elections 2022 - Reading Borough Council to find out more about the elections on 5 May 2022. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Residents with questions can also contact their local elections team at Elections@reading.gov.uk