Bedford Borough local elections - Have Your Say

Local Election Day is Thursday 4 May, when elections will be held for the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Borough Councillors, and Parish and Town Councillors where areas have parish/town councils that are contested (ie. more candidates than seats on the Council).

Laura Church, Returning Officer at Bedford Borough Council, said "Remember to have your say in the local elections on Thursday 4 May. Most importantly, you need photographic ID to vote in this election."

The Government has introduced a requirement for voters to prove their identity at the polling station with anyone voting in person at a polling station will need to show suitable photo ID before they can cast their vote. It will mean anyone turning up to vote at a polling station will need to show identification - with a list of accepted forms of ID listed on the Electoral Commission website. They include a UK passport, Driving Licence, or disabled blue badge and you can find the full list from the Electoral Commission at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id.

Ward boundary changes mean your polling station may have changed. Please remember to check where your polling station is - the details are on your poll card and available at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on election day - Thursday 4 May."

Previously, the mayoral election used the Supplementary Vote system, where voters would choose a first and second choice. In another change you will now only have one vote for the Mayor

Information on the elections is available at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting