City residents are urged to check they are “ready to vote” ahead of “all-out” local elections next month.

All 75 city council seats across Sunderland’s 25 wards will be contested on Thursday, May 7, following changes to ward boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission.

Electors can vote for no more than three candidates in their ward and anyone wanting to vote must be on the electoral register.

Sunderland City Council is urging anyone who has not yet registered to vote to do so and once registered, residents can vote in person, by post or by a proxy vote, appointing someone to vote on their behalf.

Ballot boxes arriving at Silksworth Sports Centre, in Sunderland, after the polling stations had closed at the 2023 local elections.

placeholder image — Ballot boxes arriving at Silksworth Sports Centre, in Sunderland, after the polling stations had closed at the 2023 local elections.

The deadline to register to vote is 11.59pm on April 20 and residents can apply online at Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk ).

Meanwhile, the postal vote deadline is 5pm on April 21 and the proxy vote deadline is 5pm on April 28.

Voters going to a polling station on May 7 will need to show photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

Those without one of the accepted types of ID can apply for a free voter authority certificate at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate, or by completing and submitting a paper application form to the city council’s electoral services.

Sunderland elections returning officer Patrick Melia.

The deadline to apply for a voter authority certificate is 5pm on April 28 and those needing help, or requesting a paper application form, can call the council on 0191 520 5550 or email [email protected].

Voter registration is open to all British and Irish citizens and qualifying Commonwealth citizens living in the UK aged 18 or over.

Anyone on the register who has recently moved home or whose details have changed may need to register again.

Sunderland returning officer and council chief executive Patrick Melia added: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at this election.

“Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in our city.

“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or a voter authority certificate, contact electoral services at the city council.

“It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote as soon as possible.”