Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote in Wakefield

It’s funny how the big things are often the small things. The state of the local park, how often the bins are collected, the road you drive on every day. These are the things that make up daily life in Wakefield, and soon, residents will have a chance to choose the people who make decisions about them.

With the May elections just around the corner, Wakefield Council is reminding everyone that having a say starts with one simple step: making sure you are registered to vote. It’s a lot quicker and easier than people might think, but there are a few dates and details to keep in mind to make sure your voice is heard.

So what's all the fuss about?

On Thursday 7 May, people across the district will be heading to their local polling station for the local election. This isn't about what's happening in Westminster; this is about what's happening right here in Wakefield. Every single one of the 63 seats on Wakefield Council is up for election, which is a pretty big deal.

In each area, or 'ward', residents will be able to vote for three councillors. These are the people who make decisions on local services, from libraries and leisure centres to planning applications and social care. Essentially, they help shape the community, so choosing who gets those roles is important. Making sure you are registered is the only way to vote for the councillors you want to represent your neighbourhood.

Getting your name on the list

Before anyone can even think about marking an 'X' on a ballot paper, they need to be on the electoral register. The deadline to get this sorted is midnight on Monday, 20 April. It might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually a five-minute job online. All that’s needed is a date of birth and National Insurance number. People can find their National Insurance number on payslips, P60s, or letters about tax and benefits.

Tony Reeves, Wakefield Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “You must be registered to vote to have your say in May’s elections. It’s really easy to register online and only takes five minutes. So please don’t delay and get registered before the deadline.”

When people register, they’ll also see an option about something called the 'open register'. This is just a version of the register that can be bought by companies for things like direct marketing. There’s a choice to opt out, so personal details aren't used for junk mail. Being registered to vote isn't just for elections, either. Banks, building societies, and even mobile phone companies use the register to confirm peoples' addresses when they apply for loans, mortgages or contracts. So being registered can actually make life a bit smoother. The deadline to register is a hard one, so getting it done sooner rather than later is a good plan.

The new rules: showing your face

There's a new step when voting in person at a polling station these days. Every voter will need to show a valid form of photo ID. It’s a bit like picking up a parcel from the post office – you just need to prove you are who you say you are. Lots of different types of photo ID are accepted. Here are some of the most common ones:

• UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport

• UK, EEA or Commonwealth driving licence

• A blue badge

• An older person’s bus pass

• A disabled person’s bus pass

The full list of what is accepted is available on the government's website. The main thing to remember is that the photo on the ID should still look like the voter. It’s also fine if the ID has expired. As long as the picture is a good likeness, it will be accepted at the polling station. It is a good idea to find a suitable photo ID now, just to be prepared for the election.

Haven't got any photo ID? no drama

What happens if someone doesn't have any of the accepted forms of photo ID? There's no need to panic or rush out and pay for a new passport. The council has it covered. Anyone who doesn’t have the right photo ID can apply for a free document called a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free voter ID card specifically for using at elections. The key word here is ‘free’. There’s no charge to apply for or receive the certificate.

To get one, residents just need to apply online. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the May elections is 5pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. This deadline is very important, as applications after this time won't be processed for this specific election. For anyone who needs a bit of help with the online form, local libraries across the Wakefield district are on hand to assist. What if the worst happens and someone loses their wallet with all their ID in it just before the election? If it’s before the deadline, they can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. If it’s after the deadline, they can apply for an emergency proxy vote, which means they can appoint someone they trust to vote on their behalf. Every resident has the right to vote.

A heads-up for movers, shakers, and soon-to-be voters

Life changes, and that can affect voter registration. Anyone who has recently moved house or changed their name (perhaps after getting married) might not be correctly registered at their new address or under their new name. The best thing to do is to get in touch with the council’s Electoral Services team to check. They can be reached by phone on 01924 305023 or by email. It's better to check now than to turn up on election day and find out there's a problem.

And what about young people? Those who are 16 or 17 can actually register to vote now. While they can't vote until they turn 18, registering early means they will automatically be eligible to take part in any election that happens after their 18th birthday. It's a great way to get prepared and make sure they're ready to have their say as soon as they are able. Registering to vote is a key part of participating in how Wakefield is run, and the council is working to make sure every eligible voter can cast their vote in the local election this May.