Local May elections 2023: List of important deadlines to be aware of to vote on May 4

As the May local elections are near, there are a few things you need to think about before heading to the polling station this year. The local elections are due to take place on May 4, so you can vote for your preferred local councillors.

And with the all-important polling day just over two weeks away, there are a couple of deadlines you need to be aware of to allow you to cast a vote. Firstly, you need to be on the electoral register to vote in elections and referendums - and the deadline to register is looming.

As well as registering, you need to have a valid photo ID to show at the polling station this year. The new rule comes after the Electoral Commission published a report on electoral fraud in the UK in 2014. But if you do not own a photo ID, you can still vote by applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.

We have rounded up all of the deadlines you need to be aware of ahead of the 2023 local elections. Here’s what they are:

Local elections 2023 - deadlines you need to know about

Register to vote - April 17 - 11.59pm

To register to vote you need to visit the government website. You’ll be asked for your National Insurance number (but you can still register if you do not have one). After you’ve registered, your name and address will appear on the electoral register. You have until April 17 at 11.59pm to register via the government website.