The Rutland Liberal Democrats have, this week, launched a campaign to encourage Rutland residents to join the party and represent their area in the upcoming local elections.

Local elections in England will take place on 4 May 2023, when the public will have the opportunity to select their local Councillor for Rutland county Council.

Following the passing of the Elections Act 2022, all voters will require photo ID in order to vote in the Local Elections in May 2023.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Oakham South, Raymond Payne, shared his concerns regarding this change: "The UK Government has announced a plan to stop people voting in elections unless they can show Photo ID. This will have a very negative impact on voters from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds. It is worrying, to say the least, that for example, Oyster travel cards for the over 60s will be acceptable but those for the over 18s will not. 

"Currently 3.5 million people do not have access to Photo ID and 11 million people do not have a Passport or Driving Licence. This policy is in fact the exact opposite to what the Government should be doing which is to help people to get involved in politics and to have their voices heard at the ballot box."

Find out what you need to do to ensure that you are ready to vote this May.

Image courtesy of Rutland Liberal Democrats.

The Rutland Lib Dem team shared on their social media: "Could you be a champion for your local community? After decades of Conservative control, real change finally seems possible for Rutland.

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"The Liberal Democrat councillor group has doubled in size over the last 12 months. We want to keep this momentum going, but can only do so if more local people like you are willing to put themselves up for election.

"Being a local councillor is a fantastic way to give back to your community, and as a Lib Dem candidate, you'd have the support of the whole council group, as well as access to training, advice and any resources that you might need."

Interested parties can get in touch for a chat about standing for election by emailing [email protected] or calling 07508070973.

Find out more about the upcoming elections and running for office on the Rutland County Council website.