Derby residents will be heading to the polls on Thursday 2nd May to take part in Combined County Mayoral Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
Residents across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham will get the chance to vote for the first-ever elected East Midlands Mayor in May, after councils gave the go-ahead to devolution for the region.
Residents will also be able to vote for who should be the next Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner; the commissioner is responsible for policing across the county, ensuring the delivery of an effective and efficient police service.
In order to vote in these elections, residents must be on the electoral register by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16th April, and Derby City Council is urging those who have not registered at their current address to do so before the deadline.
Anyone over 16 can register online, although you must be 18 to vote in elections. The process takes just five minutes and all you will need is your National Insurance number. It is particularly important that people who have recently moved home check they are registered and take action if not.
Registering to vote gives citizens the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and shape policies locally and nationally. Being registered to vote can also improve your credit score, making it easier to secure loans or a home.
Students are also reminded that they are able to register at both their home address and term time address. Providing both areas are in different elections, they are also able to vote in both.
Anyone who needs a Postal or Proxy vote can now apply for these online. The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm Wednesday 17th April 2023, and the deadline to apply for a proxy to vote on your behalf is 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2023.
Emily Feenan, Electoral Registration Officer for Derby City Council, said: “Voting is an important way of being able to have your say and shape policies that will impact people in Derby and Derbyshire. Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. I’d encourage everyone in Derby who is not already registered to vote, to take action now.
“Our message is simple: you can’t vote if you aren’t registered by 16th April. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes online – just head to gov.uk/register-to-vote.”