Elections and voting

All voters are required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper.

Each elector that registers to vote is automatically assigned to vote in person at their local polling station.

The Elections Act 2022 introduced some changes to the way that British citizens living overseas can register to vote.

All voters should be able to register and cast their vote without barriers.

In May 2027, East Suffolk Council will hold elections to choose the 55 councillors who will represent the district for the next four years.

If a councillor leaves their seat during the course of their term, a casual vacancy will occur.

Using information received from the public, Registration Officers keep two Registers - the Electoral Register and the Open Register (also known as the edited register).

You can petition your council to hold a referendum on whether local people should elect a mayor to lead the council and the community it serves.

We are looking to recruit staff to support us in the delivery of elections across East Suffolk and would like to hear from you if you are interested in becoming involved.

Each town or parish council can set its own precept to fund its planned spending and this is collected by the district council as part of your Council Tax bill.

The pre-election period (informally known as 'purdah') begins with the publication of the Notice of Election for an election, and runs until the election has taken place.

Each year the Electoral Registration Officer has a legal requirement to conduct the annual canvass to ensure that the electoral register is accurate and complete.