Voters will head to the polls across Cambridgeshire tomorrow (Thursday, 2 May) to elect councillors and the county’s next police and crime commissioner.
Elections will take place for 14 of the 42 seats on Cambridge City Council and for the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
The city council is responsible for providing a number of services including waste collection, running leisure facilities, providing council housing, and making planning decisions.
The role of the elected PCC is to hold the chief constable and the county’s police force to account.
When do the polls open?
Polling stations will be open across Cambridge from 7am-10pm, with the election count taking place the following day.
When can I expect the results?
Results are expected by Friday (3 May) afternoon and the Cambridge Independent will be bringing you the results and reaction live as it comes in.
What voter ID do I need?
People are reminded that they will need to show an acceptable form of photo ID to receive a ballot paper and cast their vote in person at a polling station.
A variety of different forms of photographic ID are acceptable including passport, driver’s licence, blue badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card and the Voter Authority Certificate.
Can I use an old ID or a photograph of my ID?
Original documents must be provided as photocopies or copies of images on mobile phones or other electronic devices will not be accepted. People can bring acceptable photo ID which has expired, so long as the photograph still resembles them.
What happens if I don’t have a valid ID when I turn up to vote?
People arriving at the polling station without acceptable photo ID will be advised to leave the polling station and return with one before a ballot paper can be issued to them.
A separate area will be available for people who would like their ID viewed in private and anyone wishing for their ID to be checked by a female member of staff can request this. People wearing face coverings for any reason will be asked to remove them temporarily, but this can be done in private.
For the complete list of acceptable forms of ID visit cambridge.gov.uk/voter-id-in-polling-stations
What happens if I lose my ID?
Electors whose ID has been lost or damaged after 5pm on 24 April, or if their previously appointed proxy has lost or damaged their ID, can appoint an emergency proxy or change their proxy under emergency procedures. The proxy must have their own photo ID to be able to vote.
Voters who have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate by the deadline, but have not yet received it, can apply for a temporary certificate for use at the 2 May polls. In both circumstances, electors should contact the council’s election team for further advice on 01223 457048.
There are polling stations at 39 different locations, across every ward in the city – residents’ poll cards indicate which polling station in their ward they should use.
Robert Pollock, returning officer for the local elections in Cambridge, said: “These elections are your opportunity to positively influence what happens in your city by electing a councillor to represent your area.
“Please remember that you will need to bring a valid form of photo ID in order to vote in person. Please remind your friends, neighbours and family members that they will need to bring their photo ID – and please be patient as we all get used to the new system.
“Voters who are clinically vulnerable and continue to wear a face covering, or who wear a face covering for other reasons, will be asked to remove it temporarily for the purpose of an ID check. Polling staff can do this check outside of the polling station if requested.
“If you have any questions when you get to your polling station just ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist you.”
