Early voting in Cambridge to be trialled at May election

Cambridge City Council is one of five local authorities chosen for a government-backed early voting pilot, with in-person early voting available on 30 April, 1 May and 2 May ahead of the 7 May poll and three city voting hubs planned.

Voters in Cambridge will be among the first in the country to trial early voting at the local elections in May. Cambridge City Council has been selected as one of five local authorities for a government-backed pilot. The scheme adds three in-person early voting days before polling day and will use approved digital checks to prevent duplicate voting. Postal and proxy voting will continue to be available alongside the pilot. Key details: - The early voting days are Thursday 30 April, Friday 1 May and Saturday 2 May ahead of the Thursday 7 May poll. - Three voting hubs will operate for the trial: The Guildhall, the Meadows Community Centre, and the Clay Farm Centre. - Early voting hubs will be open from 9am to 6pm on each early voting day, and any elector can vote at any hub. - The pilot will use approved secure digital technology intended to ensure no one can vote more than once. - Voters can still use their allocated polling station on polling day, and postal and proxy voting remain available. Summary: Officials present the pilot as part of a government effort to modernise the voting experience and encourage participation while maintaining election security. The council says it will work with the government and suppliers to plan, deliver and evaluate the pilot; evaluation timing is undetermined at this time.