Voting ensures ‘those who are elected represent the interests and needs of their communities’ says Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill

The importance of casting your vote is the focus of this month’s column by Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council. He writes:

Democracy is one of the cornerstones of this country, and local government plays a crucial role in helping communities and providing essential services such as education, health, housing, and transportation.

Local elections provide the opportunity for our residents to voice their opinions and preferences for local politicians who will make decisions that affect their quality of life and shape the place they live.

Although we don’t have elections at Lincolnshire County Council until 2025, on 4 May this year you will get the chance to vote for your local district councillors for South Kesteven.

The creation of a town council for Grantham has been agreed in principle by South Kesteven District Council, however, that will not be contested during these forthcoming elections.

The district council are responsible for a number of services that you will see in your daily life – the most well-known probably being bin collections, street cleaning, planning applications, housing and benefit payments.

Local elections are not only a civic duty but also a way to influence local decision-making. I’d encourage you all to look at the responsibilities of the councils in your area and consider what part they play in your everyday life.

This year for the first time, voters will need to show approved identification at polling stations.

If you want to vote in person at the local elections, you will need to take one type of photo-based ID with you to the polling station.

This is the case across Lincolnshire, with elections for district, city and borough councils in all areas, and for many parish councils too.

The requirement to have photo ID follows a change in the law by UK Government. It will also apply to any general election held after this year.

For most people this will simply mean taking along their driving licence, passport or bus pass on the day. There’s a range of acceptable types of photo ID and anyone who doesn’t have what’s needed can apply for a free, specific Voter ID with their photo on it, called a Voter Authority Certificate.

See your local council’s website or www.electoralcommission.org/voterID for specific details on what’s needed.

Local elections are not just about choosing politicians. By voting in local elections, you make sure that those who are elected represent the interests and needs of their communities, and contribute to a better future.