Reminder to bring photo ID to vote in North Yorkshire mayoral election
Polls open tomorrow with the results announced on Friday
Last updated 1st May 2024
Voters are being urged to ensure that they bring photo identification to tomorrow's mayoral election for York and North Yorkshire.
The Government introduced the requirement from May last year for voters to bring a form of photo ID to polling stations to prove their identity.
The election on tomorrow (2 May) will appoint a powerful figurehead for York and North Yorkshire to bring more decision-making powers and millions of pounds in funding to the region.
The photo must be a good likeness of the voter, and identification can still be used even if it has expired.
North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council will be running the election in the two local authority areas. The result will be announced in Harrogate once votes have been counted on Friday (3 May) the day after the actual election.
"A very significant moment"
Chief executive, Richard Flinton, will be the combined authority’s returning officer as well as the local returning officer for North Yorkshire for the election.
He said: “This is a very significant moment for York and North Yorkshire when hundreds of thousands of people will be given the opportunity to elect the first ever mayor for the region.
“The benefits of having a mayor will be far-reaching and will be felt for many years to come.
“Therefore, I would ask everyone who is going to the polls to ensure that they have the relevant identification with them to ensure that they can take part in such an important election.”
A total of six candidates are standing for election.
The mayor, who will serve a four-year term, will develop close links with the Government to secure more funding and decision-making powers.
The mayor will also take on the responsibilities of the police, fire and crime commissioner for York and North Yorkshire. The commissioner is responsible for holding the chief constable as well as the chief fire officer to account and ensuring their services are efficient and effective.
The commissioner sets policing and crime priorities and oversees the police budget. The commissioner also supports community safety activities and provides victims of crime with a range of services, as well as setting priorities in the fire and rescue plan and overseeing the brigade’s budget.