Norcot Ward By-Election

THE Norcot ward by-election has been confirmed for Thursday 3 August 2023 and the Council is once again reminding local residents that there are a variety of ways to vote.

The Norcot by-election follows the sad and unexpected passing of sitting Councillor and Deputy Mayoress, Colette Dennis, in June.

Residents must be registered by Tuesday July 18 to be able to vote on polling day. It takes five minutes and can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  

Norcot residents choosing to vote in person at their local polling station will once again need to bring photographic ID with them. An easy alternative is to apply to the Council for a postal vote or appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf.  Residents can find out more on these options at https://www.reading.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/norcot-ward-by-election/

Photo ID is required to vote in person following a change introduced by Government for the first time this year.

Residents who have a suitable photo ID need to remember to bring it with them on the day. Where a voter turns up at a polling station without identification, they will be asked to return home to find photo ID before they can be issued with a ballot paper. A polling card alone does not entitle someone to vote.

Voters can use expired photo ID, as long as they are still recognisable from the photo. A full list of accepted forms of photo ID is available at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id

Residents who do not have an accepted form of photo ID can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) at https://www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk Alternatively, they can complete a paper application form and send this to Reading’s Electoral Services team by 5pm on Wednesday 26 July, which is the deadline for applying for a VAC.

If residents need any help with applying for a VAC, or want to request a paper application form, they can contact the Council’s Electoral Services Team on elections@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 3717.

VAC applications will be processed by the Council and posted to the relevant home address, or can be collected at the Civic Offices upon appointment.

 Michael Graham, Reading Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said:

 “Even if you voted at May’s recent local elections, if you’ve followed the same routine for many years it can be very easy to forget the change of rules on photo ID. Residents will need the right photographic ID with them when they come to vote at their polling station, or a valid VAC.

 “Residents who used a VAC during the local elections in May do not need to apply for a new one for the Norcot by-election.

 “There is, of course, an easy alternative to voting in person and having to show photo ID, which is to apply for a postal vote. You can do that via the Council’s website.

 “I’d also urge anyone who is unsure to make sure they are registered to vote.  If you are not registered, it only takes 5 minutes online and can be done at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the Norcot ward by-election is Wednesday 19 July and for a proxy vote is Wednesday 26 July.

More information on the Norcot ward by-election – including on how to get a postal or proxy vote - can be found online at https://www.reading.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/norcot-ward-by-election

Polling Station Changes

Norcot residents are asked to note some changes in polling stations for the by-election.

The Council will be hosting a polling station at the new Dee Space (Community Centre), instead of Ranikhet Academy, on 3 August 2023.

St Michael’s School will continue to be used as a polling station, but residents who drive are being asked to park on the road due to no vehicle access into the school which is closed.

Staff will once again be on hand on polling day to help voters with any questions about filling out their ballot paper.

There will again be a number of aids available to help people cast their vote, including large print sample ballot papers and tactile voting devices to help those with a visual impairment.

Residents are also being advised that the process of dispatching polling cards began last week. Residents should take a minute to check their card carefully when it arrives to ensure their details and voting method is correct.  Postal voting packs will be dispatched from 21 July.

Residents requiring further information or clarification can contact the Electoral Services team at the Council by phoning 0118 937 3717 or email elections@reading.gov.uk