What are the voting rules for local elections in England?

People will be given their chance to decide who they want to make the important decisions within their community.

But do you know about the rules for voting at a polling station? It might be your first time voting or you may need a refresher if you haven’t voted in a while.

From wondering if you need to take your own pen or if you need to have your polling card with you - here are some voting rules for local elections happening around the country on May 4.

Voting at local elections in England on 4 May will require ID for the first time.

Electoral Reform Society chief executive Darren Hughes describes the change as a "solution looking for a problem" as the evidence for widespread voter fraud "isn't there".https://t.co/AAz1G4yeIe pic.twitter.com/XHwuFDH74t

— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 25, 2023

Do I need photo ID to vote at a polling station?

Under the new rules, voters now need photo ID to vote at polling stations for local elections, police and crime commissioner elections and parliamentary by-elections.

From October this year, the same will apply to general elections in the future.

Documents you can use as photo ID:

• passports
• driving licences
• Older or Disabled Person's bus passes
• Oyster 60+ cards

You can use out-of-date ID as long as you look the same, reports the BBC.

What elections are happening in your area on 4 May 2023? 🤔🗳️

Enter your postcode into our search to find out ⬇️https://t.co/LYQlcjddeE

— Electoral Commission (@ElectoralCommUK) April 25, 2023

How to find your polling place for local elections

On voting day (also known as polling day), you won’t be able to choose what polling station you want to vote at - for example, you might not be able to attend the closest one to your house.

You have to go to your assigned polling station which can be found on your polling card.

If you are still unsure you can contact the elections team at your local council. To do this you can visit The Electoral Commission website.

You can only attend a polling station that has been assigned to you on your polling card (Image: Getty)

Do I need to take a pen?

Your local polling station should provide pencils which can be found in the voting booths, however, you can take your own pen or pencil if you prefer.

What happens if I make a mistake on the ballot paper?

There will be instructions to follow on the ballot paper and on posters in your polling station when you go to mark who you want to vote for.

If you happen to make a mistake on your ballot paper when voting, there’s no need to panic.

Speak to a member of staff and they can give you a replacement ballot paper, as long as you haven't already put it in the ballot box.