What time do polling stations open and close? Opening and closing times for Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022

Local elections are set to commence country-wide at the beginning of May.

An important time when residents can make their voices heard regarding local issues and matters that can help shape their communities.

Despite the fact that Bristol City Council is one of the few local authorities not holding an election this year, it does not mean that Bristollians have nothing to vote on in 2022.

The council have decided to hold a referendum where residents will get to vote on how they want Bristol City Council to be run - this is called the Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022.

So get your ballots at the ready and carry on reading to find out when polling stations across the city are expected to be open.

When is the Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022?

The Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022 is expected to commence alongside the other local council elections taking place across the rest of the UK.

It is set to begin on Thursday, 5 May.

What is the Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022?

Residents who wish to cast their ballots in the Bristol Mayor Referendum in 2022 have the right to make their voices heard regarding the governance of Bristol City Council.

As you head to polling stations on polling day, prepare to be asked the following question: “How do you want Bristol City Council to be run?”.

There will be two different options on the ballot: to continue with the current mayoral system headed by Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, or move towards a committee model of governance.

This decision is set to have a huge sweeping impact on the local politics in and around the Bristol area.

What are the opening and closing times of polling stations in Bristol for the Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022?

Polling stations are set to open throughout the day of the Bristol Mayor Referendum in 2022.

You will be able to issue a vote at your designated polling station between the hours of 7 am to 10 pm, which gives you plenty of time - 15 hours in fact - to take advantage of your right to vote.

Still confused as to how to vote during the election? BristolWorld already has you covered - but for further information, visit the official government website.

What rules must you follow at polling stations in Bristol?

Ever wondered what the correct etiquette is for visiting polling stations, or the do’s and don’ts? Here are the following rules or guidelines issued by The Electoral Commission:

• Do not take a selfie - it risks accidentally giving away how someone else has voted, which is illegal.
• Do not photograph your ballot paper - you can be fined up to £5,000 or face six months in prison, even if done so accidentally.
• You can spoil your ballot paper if you want (in protest), but it will not be counted for or against a candidate.
• Animals, aside from assistance dogs, are not usually allowed inside a polling station.
• You can wear political clothing, but you must leave as soon as you cast your vote - this is because campaigning inside a polling station is not permitted.
• You can vote whilst drunk, as long as you are not disruptive.
• Political discussion is banned inside polling stations.

What do you do when you visit a polling station on polling day?

If you are voting in-person at a polling station on polling day, here is everything you need to know.

You can not choose a polling station to visit, this is because you are usually assigned a designated polling station.

This should be seen on the poll card, which you should have already received by now.

When you arrive at the polling station, you will need to tell an official your name and address so they can check you are on the electoral register.

You can show your poll card at the polling station, but you do not need to bring it with you to cast your vote.

After crossing your name off the electoral list, you will be handed a ballot paper and make your way to a private polling booth where you will issue your ballot.

Take your time to read everything properly before marking next to the decision that you want to vote in favour of.

When you have finished, fold the ballot and post it into a ballot box, which will be taken away to be counted later in the day.

And there it is. You have officially voted during the Bristol Mayor Referendum 2022.