Monday 17-04-2023 - 13:01

 

As a student in Lancaster, you are a really important part of the local community and you should have your say on how your city is run. Local government make decisions that can have a massive impact on your experience in Lancaster: from public transport to night-time safety, this is your chance to elect the candidates that represent your interests and the issues you’re passionate about. 

 

The Students’ Union will be supporting events during Summer term that will allow you to get to know your candidates for the University ward. It is important that you take steps now to make sure you’re ready to vote when the time comes. 

 

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable, such as: 

• Passport
• Driving licence (including provisional license)
• Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Biometric Immigration document
• Certain national identity cards

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, the National Union of Students (NUS) is partnering with Citizen Card to offer students a free form of photo ID. This usually costs £15, but students can get it for free by using the code NUS at www.citizencard.com/?m=nus.

 

Alternatively, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate from the council. You can apply for this at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, or want to request an application form, email elections@lancaster.gov.uk.

 

If you have any questions, including which forms of photo ID will be accepted, go to www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

On voter ID requirements, Callum Slater, Vice President Union Development, said that “it is unfortunate that the UK Government is imposing these new requirements which act as a barrier to voting and disproportionately affect students and young people. That said, it is important that all students are able to exercise their right to vote and have the information necessary to do so and so I would encourage everybody to check that you are registered, have a valid form of voter ID and most importantly, turn out to vote.

 

It is vital that we have representative student voices in spaces like the City Council and maintain the relationships between students, the City and the local community”. 

Polling will take place on Thursday 4^th April and your polling card will show your local polling station. Students living on campus in Cartmel, Graduate or Lonsdale will vote in Barker House Farm and students living in County, Bowland, Furness, Fylde, Grizedale or Pendle will vote in the Chaplaincy Centre.