Local Elections advice: Where is my polling station and what should I take?

With only days remaining until polls open for the 2025 Mayoral and local elections, voters are reminded how and where they can vote.

Full details of candidates for both elections, and where to vote, can be found online at: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/elections2025

Residents who have registered to vote will have received a polling card in the post. On this card, voters will be able to find details of their local polling station.

They do not need to take it with them to vote, but they can only cast their vote at the polling station they are registered with, so it’s important to check first. Polling hours are from 7am to 10pm.

All voters need to have photographic identification to show at their polling station and will not be issued with a ballot paper without it. A full list of accepted ID can be found online at: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/voterid

Postal voters need to act now as they must be completed and returned it as soon as possible. The easiest way is to post it in a Royal Mail letterbox, allowing enough time for it to arrive by 10pm on Thursday, 1st May.

Alternatively, voters in South Kesteven can hand-deliver to the SKDC office at South Kesteven House at St Peter’s Hill in Grantham – although a short form must be completed and be signed in by a member of staff and not left in the council mailbox. Alternatively, it can be taken to a polling station on election day itself.

Local Returning Officer Karen Bradford, who is the SKDC Chief Executive, said: “Elections in South Kesteven are administered by the Council’s elections team, who ensure voting is carried out fairly and in accordance with legislation.

“Polling station staff are there to help and to answer any questions you may have to help the process run smoothly. Please be patient while they check photo ID.”

Counting the votes will begin after the polls close with results of the Mayoral election being announced in the early hours of Friday and the County Council results during Friday afternoon.

On Thursday 1st May, 78 candidates will contest 14 Lincolnshire County Council seats which fall within South Kesteven.

The Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral election sees 6 candidates hoping to win the role.

There is also a by-election for Grantham Town Council, where 2 candidates are vying for the seat representing the people of St Vincent`s Ward.