Wokingham Borough Council is committed to ensuring that all residents, who are eligible to vote at the local elections on Thursday 4 May, can register safely.
Residents whose safety would be at risk if their name or address were listed on the electoral register can register to vote anonymously by downloading and completing an application form on the electoral commission website.
Photo ID
From the May 2023 elections, voters will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. Residents registered to vote anonymously, or who plan to register anonymously, will need to also apply for an anonymous elector’s document (AED).
Once registered to vote anonymously, the council will be in contact by post to explain the process and provide an application for an anonymous elector’s document to be filled out and returned.
Applications need to be submitted before 5pm on Tuesday 25 April and the anonymous elector’s document will need to be brought to the polling station. Residents with the document are not required to show an additional form of photo ID when voting.
When applying for an anonymous elector’s document, voters will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and national insurance number. This information will remain confidential and not appear on the electoral register. If you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one, you can still apply.
Have your say
Andrew Moulton, returning officer at Wokingham Borough Council said, “We want all our residents to be able to have their say in these local elections and help make decisions that will shape their community. The safety of our residents is always our main priority and we urge anyone whose safety is at risk to register anonymously to vote.
“We understand that, with the introduction of photographic ID, those at risk may be concerned but the anonymous elector’s document removes the need for any additional form of ID needing to be produced at the polling station”.
Keeping residents safe
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for resident services and climate emergency said, “The cost of providing basic services is increasing dramatically but we are committed to working with partners to ensure we have the resources available to continue to provide protection, a safe space and a support network to all our residents who need our help.
“If you or anyone you know if affected by domestic abuse our 24 hour helpline is open seven days a week and we are here to help”.
For further information about how to vote anonymously call the electoral commission helpline on 0800 328 0280 or alternately visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/ and search “vote anonymously”.
Local support
If you are being subjected to any form of abuse, or know someone who is, there is local support available. The Wokingham borough domestic abuse service is delivered by Cranstoun.
They provide support for all those affected by domestic abuse, including children and young people, as well offering help and advice to those who recognise the impact of their behaviour on the people closest to them and want to make changes.
You can call the support line on 0118 402 1921 which is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering help and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Alternatively you email dass@cranstoun.org.uk; complete an online referral at www.cranstoun.org/dass or visit the council website for further information.
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