Elections and voting

Voting in local and national elections is the main way you can engage with the democratic process, and ensure you play your part in shaping how the council and the country is run.

Further information

Elections

The two main elections which affect the decisions taken in Leicester are the local government elections, and the city mayor election, which both take place every four years. These choose our 54 councillors, and our elected mayor.

City residents can also vote in the UK parliamentary elections – better known as a general election – which are held every five years, and choose Leicester’s three members of parliament (MPs).

You can also vote in European elections, which take place every five years, and the police and crime commissioner election, which was first held in 2012, and will subsequently take place every four years. This election determines the leadership for Leicestershire’s police force.

Voting

Any UK resident, British Commonwealth or EU citizen over the age of 18 can vote, unless they are serving a prison sentence. However, EU citizens cannot vote in general elections.

To vote you must make sure you are registered with us. You can choose to vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by nominating someone to vote on your behalf.

Children can register to vote from the age of 16, to ensure they are able to vote if they turn 18 around the time of an election.

2018 Boundary Review

The Boundary Commission for England is conducting a review of parliamentary constituencies and ran a consultation earlier in 2017. You can find out more on the process at bce2018.org.uk.