Today, over a million residents across Hertfordshire have a civic duty and democratic opportunity: to cast their vote in the Hertfordshire County Council election. Held every four years, this election determines who will represent you on one of the most powerful local authorities in England—responsible for decisions that directly affect education, social care, transport, infrastructure, and environmental policy.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about how the election works, what to expect at the polls, what is expected of both candidates and voters, and why it truly matters.

🔍 What Is Hertfordshire County Council?

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is the top-tier local government body for the county. While your local district or borough council manages services like rubbish collection and housing, the County Council handles the big-ticket services:

• Education (including school places and special educational needs support)

• Transport and highways (road repairs, traffic management, bus services)

• Social services (care for children, families, and older adults)

• Libraries and archives

• Public health initiatives

• Fire and rescue services

• Waste disposal and recycling infrastructure

There are 78 divisions across Hertfordshire, each electing one County Councillor to represent them. Together, they shape the policy and spending of a £1.1 billion budget that governs life across the county.

🗓️ Election Day: Key Details

• Date: Thursday 1 May 2025 (TODAY)

• Time: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Location: Your local polling station (address listed on your polling card or available online)

• Votes Counted: Overnight, with results expected by Friday 2 May 2025

🪪 Don’t forget your Photo ID:
This is the second County Council election where photo ID is legally required. Acceptable forms include a UK passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, Older Person’s Bus Pass, or a Voter Authority Certificate. No ID, no vote.

🧍 Who Can Vote?

You can vote in this election if you:

• Are registered to vote by the deadline

• Are 18 or over

• Are a British, Irish, Commonwealth, or EU citizen living in the UK

• Live at a Hertfordshire address

🧠 What Are You Voting For?

Each division (such as Hitchin North, Watford Woodside Stanborough, St Albans Central, or Bishop’s Stortford East) is electing one councillor. These councillors will sit on the county council until the next full election and make decisions that may:

• Open or close schools

• Introduce new road developments

• Change bus timetables or ticket subsidies

• Fund (or defund) mental health and youth support services

• Approve climate change action plans and green spaces

• Respond to emergencies, from floods to public health crises

In short: your vote helps shape the direction of your community and quality of everyday life.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who Are the Candidates?

Across the county, more than 400 candidates are standing for election, representing a variety of parties:

• Conservative Party

• Labour Party

• Liberal Democrats

• Green Party

• Reform UK

• Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

• Christian Peoples Alliance

• British Democrats

• Independent candidates

Many are seasoned councillors seeking re-election; others are first-time candidates bringing fresh perspectives—from environmental activists and health professionals to retired teachers and community volunteers.

To find out who is standing in your division, visit hertfordshire.gov.uk or check your local council’s election portal. Most candidates have also delivered leaflets outlining their vision or appeared at hustings and community meetings in the past month.

🗳️ What Happens at the Polling Station?

Here’s what to expect:

1. Bring your photo ID (no exceptions under new voter ID law)

2. You’ll be given one ballot paper

3. Mark an ‘X’ next to one candidate only

4. Fold the ballot and post it into the sealed box

5. Thank the staff, collect your “I Voted” sticker if offered, and you’re done!

Polling stations are staffed by trained officials and fully accessible to voters with mobility or visual impairments. If you need assistance, simply ask.

🧾 What If You Can’t Make It?

If you registered for:

• A postal vote: Your vote must arrive by 10pm today

• A proxy vote: Your proxy must vote at your polling station with their own photo ID

💡 What’s Expected of Candidates?

Candidates, regardless of political alignment, are expected to:

• Be accountable to their constituents

• Represent local voices in county-wide decisions

• Uphold standards of public service, integrity, and openness

• Commit to attending council meetings and voting on proposals

• Listen to feedback from residents and report concerns

County Councillors are not full-time employees, but many treat the role with the seriousness and dedication of one. They are entitled to allowances and expected to produce reports, attend surgeries (public drop-in meetings), and communicate regularly with local people.

🧑‍🌾 What’s Expected of You?

Voting is not compulsory—but it is a cornerstone of democracy. As a voter, you’re expected to:

• Stay informed: Read candidate materials, watch debates, or review manifestos

• Respect polling station staff and fellow voters

• Report any voter fraud or intimidation to your local Returning Officer

Even if you’re sceptical of politics, remember this: decisions are made by those who show up. Voting gives you a say in how your taxes are spent and how services are shaped.

🔮 What Happens After the Vote?

Ballots are counted overnight at local counting centres across Hertfordshire’s boroughs: Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Herts, Hertsmere, North Herts, St Albans, Stevenage, Three Rivers, Watford, and Welwyn Hatfield.

By Friday morning:

• A full breakdown of results will be published

• Political control of the council may shift depending on the overall outcome

• Winning candidates will be confirmed and invited to their first full council meeting

We’ll share updates, result charts, and local reactions in a special post-election newsletter edition tomorrow.

💬 Final Thoughts: Be Part of It

Politics isn’t just what happens in Westminster. It’s in the potholes outside your house, the bus routes your children take, the funding your library receives, and the care your aging parents can access.

Hertfordshire’s County Council is at the heart of local public life. Voting today means having a say in its priorities—and its promises.

Whether you're voting for continuity or change, for a party or a person, for the environment or the economy—what matters is that you vote.

🗳️ So go out. Cast your ballot. Make your voice count.

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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