FOLLOWING the resignation of former Queen Edith’s councillor Sam Davies, a by-election to fill the vacancy has been set for Thursday 23 November.

Residents in the Queen Edith’s ward of the city are being reminded to ensure that they are registered to vote ahead of the poll. Anyone who is not registered must do so by 23:59 on Tuesday 7 November by either going online to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or calling 01223 457048 for a paper application form.

Poll cards will be issued to electors in the Queen Edith’s ward shortly which will indicate which polling station they should vote at.

If you are registered to vote already but will be away on Thursday 23 November, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote by downloading a form from www.electoralcommission.org.uk

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 8 November and the deadline to apply for a proxy vote – where you nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf – is 5pm on Wednesday 15 November.

As for this year’s local elections in early May, people voting in person at polling stations for the by-election will need to show photo ID in order to vote, following the introduction of new legislation by the government.

Voters can take a variety of different photo ID, including passport, driver’s licence, blue badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card and many more. For the complete list of acceptable forms of ID visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/voter-id-in-polling-stations 

Anyone without an otherwise acceptable form of ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate either online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by post by 5pm on Wednesday 15 November. This is a free photo ID document issued for the specific purpose of voting at a polling station.

Poll cards will be issued shortly to electors in the Queen Edith’s ward, which will indicate which polling station they should vote at.

Vicky Jenner, Deputy Returning Officer for the by-election said: “This by-election is a chance for Queen Edith’s residents to choose someone to represent them on the city council. I would encourage residents there to vote, and to take a few minutes to register if they haven’t done so already. Don’t forget to bring photo ID to the polling station on 23 November, and please check your polling card to find out which polling station you should attend.”

For more information or to check if you are registered go to www.cambridge.gov.uk/elections, e-mail elections@cambridge.gov.uk or call 01223 457048.