Local Election:
The next Local Election must be held on the 7th May 2026. Students make up around 10% of the voting population (11% in Winchester), so it's vital that you vote in these elections.
To prepare for the next Local Election you should:
- Check your eligibility to vote (you do not have to be a UK citizen to vote in UK elections - check here!)
- Register to vote (details below)
- Get your Voter ID (by the 28th April - details below)
- Educate yourself on the parties and their policies (check out our resources below).
- Vote! (either in-person, by post, or by proxy)!
Anyone wishing to vote will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations. If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
These include: Passport, Driving licence, Blue Badge, PASS card, Voter Authority Certificate and more.
The photo ID needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.
Does student ID count as voter ID?
No, student ID cards issued by universities or colleges do not count as valid photo ID in UK elections.
Can I vote in Winchester and at home?
You can choose to vote in either or both areas (as long as the addresses are in different council areas) when you're voting in:
- Local council elections in England
- Police and Crime commissioner elections and mayoral elections
Being registered at both your home address and your term-time addresses doesn't necessarily always mean you get two votes.
You will need to choose one address and vote in only that area, for:
- UK Parliament elections
- UK referendums
- London Assembly and London Mayoral elections
You can't vote at both your term-time address and your home address at these elections. Voting in more than one location is a criminal offence.
Useful voting tools:
Find out about candidates in your area:
Find your closest polling station:
Does your MP represent you? Find out what they have been saying in Parliament:
https://www.theyworkforyou.com/
Take a look at some easy-to-digest information about politics
Simple Politics (@simplepolitics) • Instagram photos and videos
Tactical voting:
As students have the option of voting either at their University address, or their home address, some students may wish to vote tactically. Tactical voting can be voting for a political party or person that you would not usually support in order to prevent another party or person from winning, or it could be choosing to vote in the constituency where your vote will have the most impact, depending on the voting magins.
For more information about the election, to register to vote or to apply for a postal or proxy vote, please visit: www.winchester.gov.uk/elections
