District & Parish Elections - 4 May 2023
There will be full District and Parish elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Voter ID
May 2023 will be the first time that voter identification will be required to be shown by all voters at a polling station. This has been introduced under the Elections Act 2022.
Voters need to show an approved form of photo identity before voting in a polling station, the ID does not have to be current, provided the likeness is still true. The document must be an original document.
The most commonly used ID include:
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)*
- A Blue Badge
- A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (For example West Sussex County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card.)
See full list of photo ID accepted at GOV.UK
If you do not have photo ID
Anyone without suitable photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
If you are not able to apply online you can download a paper application form. The VAC will be posted directly to the voter. More information on the application process is available on the Electoral Commission's website.
Timetable and key deadlines
| Event | Deadline | Relevant Links |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery of candidate nomination papers | From publication of the Notice of Election until 4pm on 4 April 2023 | |
| Statement of Persons Nominated | By 4pm on 5 April 2023 | |
| Deadline to Register to Vote | Midnight, 17 April 2023 | www.gov.uk/registertovote |
| Postal vote deadline (for new applications, as well as cancellations and changes to existing postal and postal proxy arrangements) | 5pm, 18 April 2023 | Download a postal vote application form |
| Proxy vote deadline | 5pm, 25 April 2023 | Download a proxy vote application form |
| Deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (for those without appropriate ID) | 5pm, 25 April 2023 | Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate |
| Publication of Notice of Poll | 25 April 2023 | |
| Polling Day | 7am - 10pm, 4 May 2023 | |
| Deadline to return completed postal vote packs | 10pm, 4 May 2023 |
Postal Votes
Please visit our postal vote webpage for information on how to apply for a postal vote. The deadline to apply for the elections in May is 5pm on 18 April 2023.
Postal votes will be issued as soon as possible after the close of nominations and these are sent by first class post. If you applied near the deadline these will be posted following the deadline. If you do not receive your postal voting pack by Thursday 27 April please contact us on 01403 215 126 or email elections@horsham.gov.uk.
Proxy Votes
Please visit our proxy vote webpage for information on how to apply for a postal vote. The deadline to apply for the elections in May is 5pm on 25 April 2023. Please note, your proxy will need to attend your allocated polling station. If they are unable to do so, they will need to apply to vote by postal proxy by 5pm on 18 April 2023.
If you have appointed a proxy to vote on your behalf at your allocated polling station, both you and your proxy will be sent a card. Your proxy will need to show their own ID at the polling station to be issued with your ballot paper.
How to stand as a candidate
We are running two briefings sessions for candidates and agents via Zoom. These sessions are for anyone standing for election or re-election and will explain how the election will be run for the parishes and district council.
- 2 March at 4pm - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83386090387
- 7 March at 6pm - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83775163599
Full guidance on how to stand for the elections is on the Electoral Commission's website. The guidance covers eligibility; how to stand; permitted expenditure; the campaign; your rights and what happens after the declaration of the result.
- Become a councillor
- District Councillor candidates - Electoral Commission Guidance
- Parish Councillor candidates - Electoral Commission Guidance
If you are thinking of becoming a parish councillor and want to serve your local community, The National Association of Local Council has general advice and information.