Local elections are coming soon - voting day is 1 May 2025 - and Cambridgeshire County Council is launching a campaign to encourage residents to ‘make their mark’, by voting in their local county council elections.
The campaign, which will run across social media channels and via local leaflet distribution, will provide residents with essential information not only on how, when, and where to vote, but also why it’s so important to vote.
While reminding us that voting is the way to shape the future of the community in which we live, the campaign will also carry the reminder that by not voting, we lose the opportunity to have a say. The important decisions about Cambridgeshire’s 2,784 miles of highways, 1,824 miles of footpaths, more than 200 schools, 33 libraries, and 8,304 adults who use our long-term adult social care and support services, are all made by the county council – so by voting at our local county council elections, we ensure your voice is heard on key issues such as these.
Dr Stephen Moir, County Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council said: Your vote is your voice, and it’s one of the most powerful ways we can all influence the decisions that shape our everyday lives. Whether it’s the quality of our local schools and social care services, or the maintenance of our highways, these choices are made by the people we all elect to serve as our county councillors.
“That’s why we’re encouraging everyone in Cambridgeshire to ‘make their mark’ in the local county council elections on 1 May. Our campaign will help make the voting process clear and accessible for everyone, so no one need miss out on this important chance to shape their community."
From Manea to Meldreth, from Whittlesey to Whittlesford, from Kimbolton to Cambridge, people across Cambridgeshire will have the opportunity to cast their vote on May 1 and, through the people we elect, will have a voice about how the £1.1 billion annual budget of the county council is spent.
Look out for key information in the campaign on things like - how to register to vote, how to apply for a postal vote, what form of ID to bring to the polling station, and what to do if you lose your ballot paper.
You will also have the opportunity on 1 May to vote for the next Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor, so don’t forget to ‘Make Your Mark’ here too.
How to vote if you can’t get to a polling station
If you are unable to get to a polling station, you can apply for a postal vote. You can also nominate someone, (known as a proxy), to cast your vote for you. You must, however, be registered to vote before you can apply to vote by post or proxy. Information on how to apply is available on your district or city council’s website.
You can find out more on the Electoral Commission website.
Key dates and information for local elections in Cambridgeshire
- The deadline to register to vote is Friday 11 April.
- The deadline for postal votes is 5pm on Monday 14 April.
- If you’re voting by proxy, you must apply by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.
- Voting takes place from 7am-10pm on Thursday 1 May.
Voter ID
You will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in the local elections – more information on the Electoral Commission website.
Get Involved
Look out for our campaign online and in your local area and spread the word to friends, family, and neighbours.
More information here on our website: Elections | Cambridgeshire County Council
Watch our video on YouTube to find out more: What if you had no say?
