By-elections called in Fareham and the Meon Valley

By-elections are to take place in Fareham and the Meon Valley following the resignation of two county councillors.

Hampshire County Council has announced that by-elections will be held on Thursday, May 2 in the county electoral divisions of Fareham Sarisbury and Meon Valley, following the resignations of Cllr Seán Woodward and Cllr Hugh Lumby respectively.

The names of the candidates nominated to stand for election will be published on April 8. Residents who have not registered to vote will need to do so by Tuesday, April 16. You can register online, at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Fareham Borough Council will run the by-election in the division of Fareham Sarisbury and Winchester City Council will run the by-election in the division of Meon Valley on behalf of the county council.

New applications for a postal vote must be made by 5pm on Wednesday, April 17 and applications to vote by proxy must be made by 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.

Details of how to apply to vote by post or proxy and further information can be found at www.fareham. gov.uk/about_the_council/ elections_and_voting and www.winchester.gov.uk/ elections.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on May 2. Photo identification is now needed to vote at a polling station. If you are planning to vote in person at a polling station, you will need to take photo identification with you.

Information about registering to vote and what ID is accepted can be found on the Electoral Commission website - Voter ID | Electoral Commission.