Local Elections Coming to Northumberland This May

24 February 2025

Local elections will be held across Northumberland on Thursday 1st May 2025. These elections represent an important opportunity for residents to participate in local democracy, either by standing as candidates or by casting their votes.

Important Deadlines for Voters

Mark these key dates in your calendar:

• Register to vote deadline: Friday 11th April 2025 (midnight)
• Postal vote application deadline: Monday 14th April 2025 (5pm)
• Proxy vote application deadline: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (5pm)
• Voter Authority Certificate deadline: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (5pm)
• Election Day: Thursday 1st May 2025 (polling stations open 7am - 10pm)

Not registered yet? Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register online. It only takes five minutes!

Your Vote Matters

Local councils make important decisions that affect your daily life - from housing and transport to local parks and waste collection. By voting in these elections, you have a direct say in who represents your community and makes these crucial decisions.

Important Information for Voters

Remember: You must bring photo ID to vote at a polling station. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Passport
• Driving license (including provisional)
• Blue badge
• Older Person's Bus Pass
• Disabled Person's Bus Pass

If you don't have an acceptable form of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate through the government website or by contacting the Electoral Commission. You must do this before Wednesday 23rd April to qualify for elections on 1st May 2025 (click on the link below).

Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) - GOV.UK

Can't make it to the polling station? You can apply for:

A postal vote (click on the link below)

https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

A proxy vote (allowing someone to vote on your behalf) (click on the link below)

https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

Contact the elections team at elections@northumberland.gov.uk or call (01670) 624811 to arrange alternative voting methods.

Considering Becoming a Councillor?

Whether you're interested in serving your community at county or town/parish level, there's plenty of information available to help you decide:

For County Council positions, visit the Local Government Association's comprehensive guide: https://www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor

For Town Council roles, check out the National Association of Local Councils' resource: https://www.nalc.gov.uk/campaigns/becoming-a-councillor.html

Key Dates and Arrangements

If you're considering standing for election, here are the important dates you need to know:

1. Nomination forms will be available from Monday 3rd March 2025.
2. The official Notice of Election will be published on Thursday 20th March 2025.
3. Nominations can be submitted by hand only between Friday 21st March and Wednesday 2nd April 2025, between 10:00am and 4:00pm at various centres across Northumberland.

How to Submit Your Nomination

Nominations must be delivered by hand to one of four designated centres across Northumberland. The centres will be located in the following areas, but please note that the dates for venues are variable, and will be published at the time:

1. Alnwick (Lindisfarne Centre)
2. Berwick (Berwick Library, Walkergate)
3. Hexham (Queens Hall)
4. Morpeth (County Hall)

The Northumberland County Council Returning Officer strongly recommends booking an informal check of nomination papers before formal submission. This service will help identify any potential issues that could lead to rejection of the nomination.

Appointment bookings will open on Monday 3rd March and can be made online or by calling 01670 624811. Forms can be hand delivered by the candidate, or any other person.

Important Information for Candidates

1. The electoral register used for nominations will be published on Monday 3rd March 2025.
2. Candidates must ensure they use this latest register when completing nomination papers.
3. Early submission of nomination papers is strongly encouraged to allow time for any necessary corrections, but not before Friday 21st March 2025.
4. Late submissions cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
5. For more information about nominations or to request forms, contact:
   • Email: electionnominations@northumberland.gov.uk
   • Phone: (01670) 624811
6. From Monday 3rd March, information and forms will also be available from the Town Council office, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RU, or by contacting admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk