Register to vote before it’s too late

Published: 8 March 2023

Residents will be heading to the polls on Thursday 4 May for the Derby’s largest local elections in recent memory.

Unlike in previous elections, every single seat is up for grabs this year, and the most successful party will remain in charge of the Council for the next four years, making your vote even more important.

Until this year, Derby had elected a third of its councillors in three out of four years.

To vote on 4 May, residents must have registered by 11.59pm on Monday 17 April. Anyone who is over the age of 16 can register online, although you must be 18 to vote.

Registering to vote takes just five minutes and all you will need is your National Insurance number.

By registering, you get the chance to exercise your democratic right, and have your say on issues which matter to you by choosing the councillors who will shape policy in Derby for the next four years.

There are other benefits to registering too, such as helping improve your credit score and making it easier to get a loan, mortgage or rent a new home.

Emily Feenan, Director of Legal, Procurement and Democratic Services and Returning Officer for Derby City Council, said:

This year, every single seat on the Council will be up for election and there will not be another local election for four years. I’d encourage all eligible residents to use their vote and have their say on the issues that matter to them in the city.  By voting, you will be helping to shape the policies that will impact the people of Derby.

Our message is simple: you can’t vote if you aren’t registered by Monday 17 April. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes online – just head to gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you have moved home since the last time you voted, you’ll need to update your registration. This can be done through the online service, as well as updating your name or nationality.

Students can register at both their home addresses and term-time addresses. Providing that both areas are in different local authority areas, they are also able to vote in both.

This year’s elections will also be the first where photographic ID is a legal requirement to vote in person. More information about Voter ID is available on our website.

Democracy