Here are the answers to some key questions you may have about the upcoming Town/Parish Elections and Local By-Elections, to be held on 1st May 2025.
Key Dates
Event | Date |
Deadline to Register to Vote | Friday 11th April 2025 |
Deadline for New Postal Votes | Monday 14th April 2025 |
Deadline for New Proxy Votes | Wednesday 23rd April 2025 |
Polls Open | 07:00 Thursday 1st May 2025 |
Polls Close | 22:00 Thursday 1st May 2025 |
If your circumstances change, for example you move home between now and the registration deadline, you will need to re-register at your new property.
If you need to check that you are on the Register of Electors then call Isle of Wight Council on 01983 823380 or email [email protected]. You will need to quote your full name and address.
On poll day, when you go to your polling station, you will be given a piece of paper with the names of the different candidates for your local ward area on it. You then go to a booth and put an X in the box which reflects your choice and put the paper into a ballot box.
By post – If you are already registered as a postal voter then you will receive your vote through the post. If you cannot or do not wish to attend your local polling station, you can still vote by post by filling out the application form available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote. You will need to apply by 17:00 on 14th April to vote by post in the local elections.
If you would like to cancel your postal vote and vote in person instead, email the council’s electoral services at [email protected], stating that you wish to cancel your postal vote and giving your full name and address. You can also cancel your postal vote by writing, giving your full name and address, to Electoral Services, Isle of Wight Council, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.
By proxy – If you are unable to vote in person or by post, you can choose to have someone you trust cast your vote for you. The person you choose can only act as proxy if they are 18 and are registered individually themselves. A person cannot vote as a proxy for more than 2 people at any 1 election or referendum, unless they are a close relative.
In England, Scotland or Wales, you will need to download and complete a form to apply to vote by proxy. There are different forms depending on the reason that you need a proxy vote, at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms. If you want to vote by proxy in the local elections, you will need to apply by 17:00 on Wednesday 23rd April.
By emergency proxy – If, after 17:00 on Wednesday 23rd April, you find you are unable to attend your polling station in person due to a medical emergency or due to your occupation, service or employment then you may be able to appoint an emergency proxy to vote on your behalf.
Contact the electoral services team by email on [email protected]; in writing to Electoral Services, Isle of Wight Council, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD or call 01983 823380.