News / Local elections 2024
All you need to know about the local elections next month
Voters in Bristol will head to polling stations in a month’s time to decide who should run the city.
The local elections will be held on Thursday, May 2, when a new administration will be chosen to run Bristol City Council, with major powers over transport, schools, bins and more.
Polling cards have begun to be sent out, which gives the location of polling stations where voters should head to on election day.
is needed now More than ever
Photo ID is now needed at polling stations following the government’s introduction of a controversial new law to clamp down on electoral fraud.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, or older person’s bus pass. Voters without any form of ID can apply for free identification online called a voter authority certificate. The deadline to apply for this is April 24 at 5pm.
The deadline to register to vote in the elections is midnight on April 16 – photo: Ellie Pipe
Tim O’Gara, returning officer at Bristol City Council, said: “With elections taking place in Bristol on May 2, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. Checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Bristol City Council’s electoral services team.
“If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team via email at voterid@bristol.gov.uk or phone 0117 922 3400.”
The deadline to register to vote in the elections is midnight on April 16. Anyone who is not already registered can apply in five minutes online by visiting the government’s website.
As well as council elections in Bristol, voters across the Avon and Somerset region will also elect a police and crime commissioner on May 2.
The current Conservative commissioner is Mark Shelford, and the role has powers to set the budget for Avon and Somerset Police, and hold the force accountable.
Voters unable to make it to a polling station on election day can cast a vote via the post, or get someone else to do so in their name. The deadline to apply for a new postal vote, or change an existing postal vote, is 5pm on April 17. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on April 24.
Anybody wishing to stand in the election and potentially become a councillor must submit a nomination by 4pm on April 5.
Nominations can be submitted by appointment only at City Hall. To make an appointment, email electoral.candidates@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 92 23400.
Labour is currently in power in Bristol City Council, and has run the city since 2016, led by mayor Marvin Rees. The election is expected to be closely fought between Labour, who currently have 23 councillors, and the Greens, who have 25 councillors.
At this election, the council will change how it’s governed, switching from a directly elected mayor to a committee system.
This will likely see power shared more equally between councillors of different political parties, rather than concentrated in one powerful leader.
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
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