Residents encouraged to register to vote
March 25, 2025
To take part in the election, anyone aged 18 or over must be registered to vote in the area they live in. Some people eligible to vote may not be registered and therefore will not be able to cast a vote. This may be because they have recently moved or are voting for the first time.
Residents who are not registered will have until midnight on Friday, April 11 and are encouraged to register as soon as possible. To register, visit the Government website at gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact Cotswold District Council if unable to register online.
To register for a postal vote residents should visit the Government website at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or contact Cotswold District Council to request a paper form.
All residents voting in-person at a polling station will need to show ID. Information on the ID required is available on the Council website at cotswold.gov.uk/voterID. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. Residents must have applied for Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday, April 23.
Poll cards will be sent to all individuals registered to vote ahead of the election and will contain information on polling stations and the ID they are required to bring.
Residents will be able to put themselves forward as candidates in the election and will need to submit a nomination paper to the Deputy Returning Officer at Cotswold District Council by 4pm on Wednesday, April 2. Nomination papers are available on the Council website where details of office opening times are also given.
A by-election for both Tetbury with Upton and Watermoor wards will also be held on Thursday, May 1. If you live in either of these wards you will be able to vote at the same time as the County Council election.
Robert Weaver, deputy returning officer for Cotswold District Council, said: “Taking part in local democracy is important and I would encourage all residents to be engaged with and vote in the County Council election and local by-elections.
“I recommend people ensure they are registered to vote, and, if necessary, apply for a postal or proxy vote as soon as possible, to avoid missing their chance to have their voice heard.
“Also, residents should check that they have the correct ID required for in-person voting or ensure they are registered for postal or proxy voting.”