By-elections to take place in two Cotswold District Council seats on May 1

In accordance with national regulations, the notice of a vacancy for Tetbury with Upton was published on March 19. The notice of vacancy for Watermoor was published on March 24. 

A formal notice for the by-election will be issued on 25 March, with the vote scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 1 2025, alongside the County Council elections. Full information of the schedule of the by-election is posted on the Council website at cotswold.gov.uk/elections.  

Cotswold District Council is now calling for residents in the area to ensure they are registered to vote so they are able to take part in the by-election. This includes anyone looking to register as a new postal voter or use a proxy vote.  

To take part in the election, anyone aged 18 or over must be registered to vote in the area they live in. Some people eligible to vote may not be registered and therefore will not be able to cast a vote. This may be because they have recently moved or are voting for the first time.   

Poll cards will be sent to all individuals registered to vote ahead of the election which will contain information on polling stations and the ID they are required to bring.  

Residents who aren't registered will have until midnight on Friday, April 11 to register and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. To register, residents should visit the Government website at gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact Cotswold District Council if unable to register online.  

All residents voting in-person at a polling station will need to show ID. Information on the ID required is available on the Council website at cotswold.gov.uk/voterID. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. Residents must have applied for Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm Wednesday, April 23.  

New postal voters will need to register by 5pm Monday, April 14 and those wishing to use a proxy vote by 5pm Wednesday, April 23.   

To register for a postal vote residents should visit the Government website at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or contact Cotswold District Council to request a paper form.  

Residents will be able to put themselves forward as candidates in the election and will need to submit a nomination paper to the Returning Officer at Cotswold District Council by 4pm on Wednesday, April 2. Nomination papers are available on the Council website where details of office opening times are also given.  

Robert Weaver, returning officer for Cotswold District Council, said: “Taking part in local democracy is important and I would encourage all residents of the Tetbury with Upton and Watermoor wards to register to vote and take part in the by-election.  

“I would also recommend people ensure they are registered to vote, and, if necessary apply for a postal or proxy vote as soon as possible, to avoid missing their chance to vote.    

“Also, residents should check that they have the correct ID required for in-person voting or ensure they are registered for postal or proxy voting.”