Residents in Rother are being urged to check they are registered to vote before the deadline for the May 7 council elections.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, April 20 and voters can quickly and easily apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote

Research shows that some groups, including young people, students and those who have recently moved, are less likely to be registered than others.

Once registered, voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.

Local elections are an important opportunity for people to have their say on who represents them and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life.

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal, proxy vote or free ID.

“If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.

“Voters will also need to show photo ID at polling stations this May. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by submitting a paper form to their local council.”

Clear, trusted information about registering to vote and all your voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Elections for East Sussex County Council will take place on Thursday, May 7

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, April 20.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 21.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.

Voters going to a polling station will need to show photo ID. To find out which ID you can use in the polling station, visit the Electoral Commission website

Published: 30th March 2026