Liberal Democrats Contest Every County Council Seat in Folkestone and Hythe

Following the close of Nominations, the Liberal Democrats are standing in every seat across Folkestone and Hythe in the May 2025 County Council Elections.

The Libera Democrat candidates are:

• Cheriton, Sandgate and Hythe East: Tim Prater
• Elham Valley: Emily Sanger
• Folkestone East: Tom McNeice
• Folkestone West: Matt Horrox
• Hythe West: John Stokes
• Romney Marsh: Gary Fuller

Cheriton, Sandgate and Hythe East is the most marginal seat in Kent. Liberal Democrat Tim Prater just missed out on beating the sitting Conservative Councillor by 21 votes in 2021.

Have YOUR Say in the 1st May Elections

How can I vote in the May elections?

There are three ways to vote:
•    in person at your local polling station on election day between 7am and 10pm;
•    by postal vote;
•    by nominating a proxy to vote on your behalf.

To vote in local elections you must be:

•    aged 18 or over;
•    registered at an address in the area you want to vote;
•    a British or Irish citizen;
•    an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a qualifying EU citizen - the rules vary according to which country you are from.

You will have one vote in the 1st May County Council elections to elect one candidate.

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

To vote in person you must be on the electoral register by 11th April.

If you have already received a polling card telling you how / where you can vote you are on the register and there is no need to apply again.

You can register online with your National Insurance number or by writing to your council's electoral registration office.

You can register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

If you are already registered to vote, the deadline to request a postal vote is 5pm on 14th April.

You should then receive your postal vote at least one week before polling day.

Apply for a postal vote at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

If you are already registered to vote, the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on 23rd April.

Apply for a proxy vote at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

What ID do I need to vote in person?

You must now show photo ID in order to vote in person. You do not need your polling card, but it will tell you where you can vote and can be helpful.

There are more than 20 acceptable forms of ID including passports, driving licences and - from 1 May - Armed Forces Veteran Cards.

You can use out-of-date ID as long as you are still recognisable.

Anyone who is already registered to vote but doesn't have the correct ID - or who no longer looks like their photo - can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Apply for a Voter Authority certificate at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

The deadline to apply for a certificate to use in the May elections is 5pm on 23rd April.

For more information on registering, postal and proxy votes, Voter Authority Certificates or where your polling station is please email elections@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or call the elections team on 01303 853497 or see www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/elections