As North Tyneside’s mayoral election approaches, here is everything you need to know to cast your ballot on 1 May.
Voters in North Tyneside, alongside millions of voters across the country, will be partaking in their local elections this May. However, in North Tyneside instead of voting for individual councillors, voters will have to decide on their new directly elected Mayor.
Seven candidates officially registered to have their names on the ballot, so here is what you need to know to ensure your voice and ballot is heard.
How do I register to vote?
Providing you are a UK resident or have the right to remain, you can register to vote in person using the GOV.UK website. The deadline for registration is 11:59pm on 11 April.
Do I have to go to the polling station to vote?
Instead of going to the polling station in person, residents can send in postal votes or settle to vote by proxy. By proxy voting means allowing someone else to vote on your behalf.
The deadline to register for postal voting is 5pm Monday, 14 April, and residents, already registered to vote, can choose this option through the council’s website. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm, Wednesday, 23 April, and applications can also be made to the local authority’s website.
How do I vote on the day?
1 May, you can go to your nearest polling station which will be addressed on your polling card. Poll cars will be delivered from 25 March.
Stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on 1 May. If you are in a line to vote by 10pm but have not yet done so, you will be allowed to vote.
Do I need ID in order to vote?
In 2022, the government introduced the requirement to present some form of recognised photo ID at the polling station before being permitted to vote. The following forms of photo ID are now required:
- Passport
- Driving Licence (including provisional)
- Blue Badge
- Identity card with PASS mark (proof of age standards scheme)
- Biometric immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
What if I don’t have a photo ID?
If you don’t have a photo ID or it no longer looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document from the government. According to guidance from the Electoral Commission, If your ID is out of date but the photo still looks like you it can still be used.
Who can I vote for?
The nominees for the Mayor of North Tyneside are as follows:
- Conservative – coun Liam Bones
- Labour – coun Karen Clark
- Green – Chloe-Louise Reilly
- Reform – John Falkenstein
- Community Independent – Cath Davis
- Independent – Martin Uren
- Liberal Democrat – Dr John Appleby
The incumbent Mayor of North Tyneside is Labour’s Dame Norma Redfearn. Dame Norma has been returned to the post three times by voters since 2012 but stated in May last year she would not seek re-election
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