Deadlines for voting in this election:
- registering for a proxy vote - 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025
- applying for a Voter Authority Certificate - 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025
The deadlines for registering to vote, and for applying for a postal vote for this election, have now passed
Elections for all 64 county councillors in Derbyshire will take place on Thursday 1 May 2025.
Chesterfield Borough Council will administer elections for the eight county council seats in the borough of Chesterfield.
This election will be based on new county boundaries.
An election is also being held on 1 May to elect a Chesterfield borough councillor in the Brampton East and Boythorpe ward - find out more here.
Voting on Thursday 1 May 2025
To vote in this election, you must have been registered to vote on Friday 11 April.
Voter photo ID
You need photo identification (ID) to vote in this election.
The UK Government introduced a requirement in 2023 for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at all elections in England.
This requirement will apply again at the Derbyshire County Council election taking place on Thursday 1 May 2025.
At this election you will need to bring acceptable photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. Those voting by postal vote do not need to provide ID as separate security measures are already in place for voting by post.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote at a polling station?
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- passport
- driving licence (including provisional license)
- Blue Badge
- certain concessionary travel cards
- identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- biometric immigration document
- defence identity card
- certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit the Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you have a form of accepted ID that is out of date but still looks like you, you can use it to vote.
You must show the original version of your photo ID when voting and not a photocopy.
What if I don’t have an accepted form of photo ID?
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, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
You need to be registered to vote before you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to register to vote for this election was Friday 11 April.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the Electoral Services team. If you need any help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, email elections@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 345345.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for use at this election is 5pm on Wednesday 23 April, but you should apply as soon as possible in case we need to check any details with you.
What information do I need to give when I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
When applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide your:
- name
- address
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
If you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one, you can still apply. However, we will contact you to request alternative proof of your identity.
You will also need to submit a passport type photograph with your application.
Voting at a polling station
When you arrive at the polling station, a member of staff will:
- ask you for your name and address so they can find you on the electoral register
- ask for your photo ID or Voter Authority Certificate and check it is acceptable
- if your ID is acceptable, they will give you your ballot paper and direct you to vote in a polling booth as usual
A private area will be available at the polling station, so you can choose to have your photo ID viewed in private if you like. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
Staff at the polling station are there to help, so if you need assistance at any point, just ask.
Other ways to vote
You can apply to vote by proxy (where you appoint someone to vote on your behalf).
To vote by proxy, you’ll need to complete a proxy vote application form. The deadline to apply to vote by proxy is 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.
In some circumstances, you can now apply for a proxy vote online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download and print a paper proxy vote form. You will need to have your National Insurance number ready when applying to vote by proxy.
If you appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, it is important to stress that the proxy will then need to vote at your allocated polling station in the Chesterfield Borough area.
For more information about proxy voting, visit The Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Please note: it is too late too apply for a postal vote for yourself or your proxy.
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