Your vote matters

With local elections taking place across Dorset next week, 2 May, residents are encouraged to take part in the democratic process and make their voices heard.

All eligible voters will have received their polling cards or voter pack for postal votes by now, and however you decide to vote, make sure you have your say.

The polling stations are open from 7am till 10pm on election day, and voters are reminded they must use the polling station named on their polling card.

If you’re heading to a polling station, please don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID. 

Various forms of photo ID are accepted, including a driving licence, passport, Older Person’s Bus Pass, a blue badge or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. The full list of accepted ID can be found here.

Residents can use an expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness.

Polling station staff will be located inside the polling station and will be wearing badges marked either "Presiding Officer" or "Poll Clerk".  If you need any help, please just ask.  Our polling station staff will be happy to assist you to cast your vote.  

People who are registered to vote by post can't vote in person at a polling station and are reminded to use a Royal Mail letter box for posting your vote.

Reminder to also post them well ahead of election date on 2 May so your vote counts.

However, if it's too late to post a completed postal vote, the completed pack, sealed in the return envelope, can be taken to your local polling station by 10pm.

You can find your local polling station here.

Jonathan Mair, Director of Legal and Democratic at Dorset Council, said:

“We want everyone to be able to exercise their right to vote and we urge people to remember to take their photo ID with them when they go to their polling station.”