Your Vote, Your Voice: Whole Council Elections in St Helens on Thursday 7 May

Local government plays a vital role in everyday life. As a council - working with you, for you - we provide more than 700 services every day. From waste and recycling collections, highway improvements, to children's services and adult social care - the decisions made at council level directly affect all residents, families and businesses across St Helens Borough. By voting, you can help shape the priorities and direction of the council and ensure that local services reflect the needs and views of our residents.

What are the whole council elections?

St Helens Borough Council moved to whole council elections in 2022, meaning that all 48 councillors are elected at the same time, once every four years. This change was introduced as a cost‑saving measure, allowing elections to be run more efficiently while still maintaining strong democratic accountability.

Under this system, voters have a clear opportunity to influence the overall make‑up of the council at a single point in time. It also brings stability, allowing councillors to focus on delivering services and long‑term plans without the need of holding elections every year.

Parish council elections

In some areas of the borough, voters will also be taking part in parish council elections on the same day. Parish and town councils play an important role at a very local level, representing the interests of individual communities and helping to deliver local projects and initiatives.

Eligible residents may therefore be asked to vote in more than one election, depending on where they live. Polling station staff will be on hand to guide voters through the process and answer any questions.

Register to vote

To take part in the elections, you must be aged 18 or over and registered to vote. Most people can register online quickly and easily, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Registering ensures your name is on the electoral register and allows you to vote in local and general elections, helping to shape decisions that affect your community.

If you've recently moved home, changed your name or are voting for the first time, it's important to check that your details are up to date. Even if you think you're registered, it's worth double‑checking to avoid missing out.

The deadline to register to vote is 11:59pm on Monday 20 April: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Poll cards and voting on the day

In the run‑up to polling day, residents who are registered to vote should have received a poll card through the post. This card provides useful information about when and where to vote.

If you've mislaid your poll card, don't worry - you do not need to bring it with you on the day. As long as you are registered, have photo ID and attend the correct polling station, you will still be able to cast your vote.

Polling stations will be open throughout the day - from 7:00am to 10:00pm - giving people plenty of flexibility to vote at a time that suits their routine.

Find your nearest polling station here

Don't forget your photo ID

One important change that voters need to be aware of is the requirement to bring photo ID when voting in person at a polling station. This is now a legal requirement and applies to all elections.

Accepted forms of ID include common documents such as a passport, driving licence or other approved photographic identification. Bringing the correct ID ensures the process is secure and protects the integrity of local elections.

If you have a Merseytravel bus pass you will need a different form of photo ID as this is not a recognised national ID card. You can find a list of approved voter ID here. Don't forget you can also use an out of date approved voter ID if it still looks like you. Or you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificateby 5pm on 28th April.

Anyone unsure about what ID is accepted should take a moment to check in advance to avoid disappointment on polling day.

Options if you can't vote in person

If you know that you'll be away or unable to vote in person, there are still ways to make sure your voice is heard. You can apply for a postal vote, which allows you to complete your ballot at home, or a proxy vote, where someone you trust votes on your behalf.

Applications must be submitted by set deadlines, so it's important to plan ahead. These options help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part, regardless of work commitments, travel plans or health issues.

You can sign up for a postal vote by 5pm on Tuesday, 21st April.  The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm Tuesday, 28th April.

Making elections happen

Delivering a local election is a major undertaking. A huge amount of planning and coordination goes on behind the scenes, from compiling the electoral register and issuing poll cards, to staffing polling stations and counting votes.

As Chief Executive of St Helens Borough Council and Returning Officer for the elections, I would like to thank all staff involved in making the election possible. Their professionalism and dedication ensure that residents can vote safely, securely and with confidence.

Have your say

Voting is a fundamental democratic right and a powerful way to influence how your community is run. Whether you're voting in person, by post or by proxy, taking part in the whole council elections on Thursday 7 May is your opportunity to shape the future of St Helens Borough.

Make sure you're registered, check what ID you need, and take the time to have your say.

Your vote matters.

Mark Palethorpe

Chief Executive & Returning Officer

St Helens Borough Council