Surrey Election Day Looms

Published on: 16 Apr, 2024
Updated on: 17 Apr, 2024

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Polling stations will be open in all areas of Surrey on May 2 but in Guildford it will only be for the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) election.

The Guildford Dragon is in the process of interviewing all four PCC candidates. Please watch this space.

Outside Guildford Borough, the fate of 116 council seats will be up for grabs. There are 11 boroughs and districts in the county, with widespread voting taking place in six – Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Tandridge and Woking.

There is also a by-election for a single seat on Waverley Borough Council.

Apart from Guildford there will be no local council elections this year in Epsom & Ewell, Spelthorne, and Surrey Heath Borough Councils.

With a general election less than a year away, the elections will be viewed in some quarters as a significant bellwether in the race for Downing Street.

Counting will begin on Friday, May 3.

The next Guildford Borough Council election will be in May 2027 and the next county council election in May 2025.

Do I need photo id?

Yes you need to bring valid photo identification in order to vote in any election this year.

See official advice here.

Valid IDs include expired official documents such as passports that still have a strong resemblance. Voters without an accepted ID can apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate – a fast-track card that will allow people to vote.