All the dates you need to know for the Croft Ward By-Election

Voters in the Croft ward of East Lindsey District Council will go to the polls on Thursday, 24 October to elect a new district councillor.

The candidates standing are:

• ANDERSON, Mark Crawford - Labour Party
• COLLINS, Paul - Independent
• DRURY, Carl - The Conservative Party
• FINDLEY, Adrian - Skegness Urban District Society (SUDS)
• GASKELL, Phil - Green Party
• TUCKER, David Brian - Liberal Democrats

Rob Barlow, Returning Officer for East Lindsey District Council, said: "Following the sad death of Cllr Sid Dennis, a by-election to fill the vacancy on the council has been called.

"The by-election is for eligible voters in the Croft ward only so they can choose who represents them on East Lindsey District Council.

"Now is the time for residents in that area to check you are registered to vote and to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate if you have not got any other form of ID. "You can also apply for postal votes or to vote by proxy if you know you will not be able to make it to the polling station on October 24th.

"Please check the important dates below to help ensure you are ready to vote."

Residents who are currently not registered to vote or have recently changed their name or address will need to register to vote to have a say in the election.

The process just takes five minutes and can be done online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The deadline to apply is midnight on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote. When applying, you will need to provide your national insurance number, date or birth as well as a clear signature.

To complete a postal vote application, visit www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote 

If you are unable to submit an online, you can download and print a paper postal vote application form or email elections@e-lindsey.gov.uk to request a paper application form. The deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024.

For those voting at a polling station, you will need to present a valid form of photographic ID. If you do not have photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers' licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass.

You can use an expired ID if you are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form. The deadline to apply for a VAC is 5pm on Wednesday 16 October 2024.

For more information on voter ID, please visit: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/howtoregister

Here are all the key dates for Croft residents ahead of the by-election:

• Last date for registration - Midnight on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
• Deadline for receipt of postal vote applications - No later than 5pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024.
• Last day for Voter Authority Certificates - No later than 5pm on Wednesday 16 October 2024.
• Receipt of Proxy Vote Applications 5pm on Wednesday 16 October 2024
• Receipt of Emergency Proxy Vote applications - 5pm on Thursday 24 October 2024.
• Polling Day - 7am-10pm on Thursday 24 October 2024