Queen’s Park by-election: Brighton voters face key deadlines

Queen’s Park residents will choose a new ward councillor on Thursday 24 September, with polling stations in Queen’s Park ward open from 7am to 10pm. Voting is free, but only registered ward voters can take part, and they must attend their designated polling station.

Brighton and Hove City Council says the by-election will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Milla Gauge. Registration closes more than two weeks before polling day, giving residents who have moved recently or are not yet registered an earlier deadline to meet.

Five candidates are on the Queen’s Park ballot

The council has confirmed five candidates and their party descriptions:

• Rudi Dikty-Daudiyan — Liberal Democrats
• Steve Gladwin — Labour Party
• John Shepherd — Reform UK
• Stefan Sönke Speckesser — Conservative and Unionist Party
• Mark Strong — Green Party

With one ward councillor vacancy to fill, the confirmed field will go before Queen’s Park voters on 24 September. The council announcement does not provide candidate statements or policy details, so the published list is limited to names and parties.

September voting deadlines begin on the 8th

Several voting arrangements close before election day. Registration is the first cut-off, followed one day later by the postal-vote deadline and the deadline for changing an existing proxy arrangement. New proxy applications and Voter Authority Certificate applications share a later cut-off.

People who cannot get to a polling station can apply for a postal vote or ask someone they trust to vote on their behalf through a proxy vote. These are separate applications with different cut-offs, making 9 and 16 September the dates to distinguish.

Photo ID is required for voting in person

Anyone voting at a polling station must bring photo identification. The supplied notice does not list the accepted forms, but it says voters without valid photo ID can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for the council to receive that application is 5pm on Wednesday 16 September.

The announcement does not provide individual polling-station addresses, transport guidance or accessibility arrangements. Voters must use their designated polling station between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 24 September.

Source: Brighton and Hove City Council