Local elections are set to take place on Thursday, May 4, with polling stations being open across England, including Test Valley.

As a voter, here's all you need to know about the upcoming elections:

Council name: Test Valley Borough Council

Current total number of seats on TVBC: 43

Number of seats up for election this year on TVBC:  43

Estimated date and time final election outcome will be known: 6pm, May 5, 2023

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote online at: gov.uk/register-to-vote

How can I register to vote if I’m not online?

You can call Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) on 01264 368000 so the council can register you over the phone or be sent a form to register yourself.

When is the deadline to register to vote?

Monday, April 17.

Can I check if I’m registered to vote?

You can check (for free) if you're already on the electoral register by:

What should I do if I’ve moved/changed my name since I registered to vote?

If you have moved you will need to either:

  • Register to vote on gov.uk
  • Call TVBC on 01264 368000 so that we can register you over the phone or send you a form to register yourself.

If your name has changed you will need to either: 

  • Call TVBC on 01264 368000 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm) 
  • Email TVBC at elecreg@testvalley.gov.uk your new name, old name, address and evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate/deed poll)

You will need to provide TVBC with a copy of proof of your change of name.

How can I register to postal vote?

To apply for a postal vote, you will need to print off the form here: gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote and fill it out.

Once completed, you can either email it to elecreg@testvalley.gov.uk or print and return by post to:

Electoral Services

Test Valley Borough Council

Beech Hurst

Weyhill Road

Andover

SP10 3AJ

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is Tuesday, April 18 at 5pm.

Who can I vote for?

Elections for the whole of the borough, and some parishes, will be taking place this year.

A statement of persons nominated/notices of uncontested elections will be available by 4pm on April 5 on TVBC’s website: Borough and Parish Elections - May 2023 | Test Valley Borough Council

What should I do if I haven’t received my poll card yet?

They are being posted from March 22, 2023.

Polling station electors are not being sent the usual A5 poll card, they are now an A4 letter in an envelope.

You do not need your poll card to vote. 

What should I do if I haven’t received my postal vote yet?

Please check the date - for anyone who applied up to April 4, 2023, postal votes will be mailed on April 19, 2023.

Anyone who applied between April 5 and the deadline of April 18 will be included in the second mailing to be posted on April 26.

Replacement postal votes can be issued from April 27.

Can somebody else vote for me?

Yes, this is called a proxy vote and can be applied for in advance. Apply here: gov.uk/apply-vote-proxy

The deadline to apply for Proxy vote is Tuesday April 25, 2023 at 5pm.

Will my proxy voter need my ID or just their own or both?

A proxy must provide their own ID, not that of the person they are voting on behalf of.

I forgot to post my postal vote, can I hand it in somewhere?

Yes, you can hand it in before 10pm on polling day at any polling station in the Test Valley Borough Council area.

When will results be announced?

Votes will be counted on Friday, May 5, and results will be announced once the count is completed, that afternoon or evening.

How can I find my polling station?

You can find your allocated polling station here: testvalley.gov.uk/aboutyourcouncil/localdemocracy/elections/elections-2023.

Do I need ID?

Yes, you need photographic ID.

What is voter identification and what will voters need to know?

Voter identification is being introduced this year by the UK government.

It require voters to prove their identity by showing a form of photographic identification, before being given their ballot paper in a polling station across Great Britain at national UK-wide elections, and at local elections in England.

What ID will be acceptable?

A broad range of documents, both in date and expired, will be accepted, in order to prove a person’s identity. For a full list visit testvalley.gov.uk/voterid.

What is a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)?

Anyone without an acceptable form of photographic ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, which can be used for the upcoming election this May.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is by visiting gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. You will need to provide your national insurance number as part of the application, as well as uploading a digital photograph. 

If you are unable to apply online, you can apply using a paper application form.  You will need to supply a printed photograph with the application.  Please contact Electoral Services on 01264 368000 or elecreg@testvalley.gov.uk if you require a paper application form to be sent to you in the post, or please collect one in person from TVBC’s Andover and Romsey offices.

You can also apply for a VAC in-person by visiting one of the offices, where a member of staff will assist you in completing the form.

Any questions, email communications@testvalley.gov.uk or visit testvalley.gov.uk/aboutyourcouncil/localdemocracy/elections.