Image
There are now three parliamentary constituencies in the North Somerset area: North Somerset, Weston-super-Mare and part of the new Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.
North Somerset Council remains responsible for administering the North Somerset and Weston-super-Mare constituencies, while the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency is overseen by Somerset Council.
The notice of election has been published on North Somerset Council’s website and first batch of polling cards will be sent out to voters this week.
Prospective candidates who wish to stand for election have until 4pm on Friday to submit their nomination papers. Only after that will it be known who is standing for election.
With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, North Somerset Council’s elections team is urging people to make sure they are on the electoral register.
Nicholas Brain, the council’s Returning Officer for the election, said
“The quickest and easiest way to register to vote is online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
“All you need is five minutes and your National Insurance number. The deadline to register to vote in time for the coming General Election is midnight on Tuesday 18 June.
“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details haven’t changed, you don’t need to take any action. But if you’ve recently turned 18 or moved home, it’s important you make sure you’re registered to vote. If you’re not registered by deadline, you won’t be able to vote."
Once registered to vote, people can choose to apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote where they appoint someone they trust to vote in their place.
The deadline to apply for a new postal vote or make changes to an existing registration is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June. This can be done at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
North Somerset Council’s postal vote packs will be dispatched by the Royal Mail on Tuesday 18 June to voters who had registered for a postal vote by May 30. Packs will be sent to people who registered for a postal vote from May 31 onwards but before the deadline, on Wednesday 26 June.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June. This can be done at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.
“If you know you’re going to be away during the General Election, you might want to choose to vote by proxy” added Nicholas.
“This means you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf in person at a polling station. Both you and your proxy must be registered to vote and your proxy must be able to attend your polling station. They must also have their own accepted form of voter ID.”
Registered voters in North Somerset who intend to vote in person at a polling station must make sure they have an acceptable form of photo ID. Electors have to present an approved type of photo ID to polling station staff before they can be issued a ballot paper.
Valid forms of ID include a UK passport, driving licence, blue badge, older person’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass. A full list of accepted IDs can be found on the council’s website.
Registered voters who wish to vote at a polling station but do not have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline at 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.
The council’s website has more information about voting in General Election 2024. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ge2024. Contact the North Somerset Council elections team by calling 01934 634 909 or emailing electoral.services@n-somerset.gov.uk.