We are called once again to the voting booth. On 4th May elections will be held for borough and town councils in Downham Market. It has been four years since the last elections for borough councillors. By-elections have been held more recently for some town council seats, though this time round all seats are up for re-election.
This election is the first time that voters will be required to show photo ID in order to vote at the ballot box under a new law brought in by the national government. Despite zero conviction of electoral fraud during the last election year 2021, the government says the new rules are intended to cut down on voter fraud. The campaign group Electoral Reform Society say the rules put additional burdens on younger voters as the list of accepted ID “are predominantly held by older people”.
Candidates standing for Downham Market borough council wards were published today. The pre-election period has begun and candidates will likely be making themselves known over the coming days and weeks. Expect leaflets through letterboxes and possibly candidates knocking on your door where you can ask them questions.
If you are not yet registered to vote, you can still register to vote up until 17th April. If you do not have photo ID, you can apply for a voter ID for free up until 25th April.
Downham Old Town ward
Zara Jayne Hipsey – Independent
Barry Maurice Hobbs – Conservative Party
Joshua Osborne – Labour Party
East Downham ward
Josie Ratcliffe – Liberal Democrats
Tony White – Conservative Party
North Downham ward
Andy Bullen – Independent
Eamonn McCusker – Labour Party
Matthew James Sawyer – Conservative Party
Barrie Wiles – Independent
South Downham ward
Heather Fouracre – Labour Party
Elaine Heath – Liberal Democrat
Steve Moyses – Independent
Don Tyler – Conservative Party
