It’s the last local election before the next general election. We’re expecting the results to be interesting… On May 2, 107 local authorities across England will see voters elect new councillors and, in some areas, new mayors. They’ll be choosing the London Assembly in the capital, a new MP in Blackpool South, and voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs).
What elections are happening in Bristol on May 2?
For the first time since 2012, the city will not be voting for the Mayor of Bristol at these local elections. Choosing to abolish the position in a 2022 referendum in favour of a committee system. When Bristol goes to polling stations on May 2, people from 34 wards will be voting to fill 70 council seats.
Bristol City Council is what is called a unitary authority and is responsible for all local services in the area. No party held a majority after the last local election in 2021. Your ward will be selecting either 1, 2 or 3 councillors to represent the area in the council. Candidates from Conservative, Green, Knowle Community Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Social Democratic Party, Trade Union, Socialist Coalition and Independents will stand in these elections.
Wards are Ashley, Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, Bedminster, Bishopston and Ashley Down, Bishopsworth, Brislington East, Brislington West, Central, Clifton, Clifton Down, Cotham, Easton, Eastville, Filwood, Frome Vale, Hartcliffe and Withywood, Henbury and Brentry, Hengrove and Whitchurch Park, Hillfields, Horfield, Hotwells and Harbourside, Knowle, Lawrence Hill, Lockleaze, Redland, Southmead, St George Central, St George Trooper’s Hill St George West, Southville, Stockwood, Stoke Bishop, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze, and Windmill Hill.
There is also another election happening in Bristol. You’ll be able to decide the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. It’s the role of PCCs to run the region’s police force and cut crime in the area. There are four candidates to choose from, Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats), Katy Grant (Green), Clare Moody (Labour) and Mark Shelford (Conservative)
How do I vote?
Voters must be aged 18 or over; registered at an address in the area; a British citizen, an Irish or EU citizen or eligible Commonwealth citizen; or not legally excluded from voting. Assuming you are already registered, you can check by heading here, there are three ways to vote:
- At a polling station
- By postal vote
- By nominating a proxy – someone to vote on your behalf
The deadline to request a postal vote and apply for a proxy vote has passed, unfortunately. But you’ll be able to head down to your local polling station from 7am to 10pm on May 2. As long as you join the queue before it closes, you’ll still be able to vote. Find your local polling station by heading here. Just remember that you will need a form of photo ID to vote. There are 22 acceptable forms of ID, including passports and driving licences. You can check them all out here.