VOTERS in Evesham and Pershore who want to apply for a postal or some types of proxy vote can now do so online following a change in the law.
New identity verification checks have also been introduced for those choosing or unable to vote in person. The change brings absent voting in line with voting in person in a polling station where photo ID must now be shown.
To make a new application for a postal or proxy vote, residents just need to follow the links to the Government registration system from Wychavon’s website.
They will need to already be registered to vote and provide their full name, address and National Insurance Number. This is the same as the information required when registering to vote in person. They will also need to provide a copy of their signature which can be scanned or photographed and uploaded to the system.
Postal voters will not need to provide photo ID when applying. Proxy voters will also not need to provide their own photo ID when applying, but the person they send to the polling station to vote on their behalf will need to have valid photo ID.
People who registered to vote by post before October 31, 2023 will need to reapply under the new system by January, 31 2026 at the latest. They will then need to reapply every three years.
Wychavon’s elections team will be contacting registered postal and proxy voters directly to inform them of the changes and what they need to do. As part of the changes people can now only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK.
The changes apply to all UK and English elections including next year’s West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner election and the expected General Election.
Links to register to vote or apply for a postal or proxy vote application are available at www.wychavon.gov.uk/elections. People can still register for a postal or proxy vote using paper forms. For a paper form or more information contact the elections team on 01386 565437 or email [email protected].
