Knowsley Council has applied to take part in a flexible voting pilot that could see eligible residents able to vote days before election day. A decision from the government is expected by the end of this month.
On May 6, 2027, local elections will be held around the UK, including in Knowsley, with 15 of the borough's 45 seats up for re-election. If agreed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), residents from anywhere in the borough would be able to vote in any one of the four libraries in Kirkby, Prescot, Huyton and Halewood.
Voting dates and locations
This would mean voters can visit either of these on the following dates:
- Friday, April 30 – between 9am and 6pm
- Saturday, May 1 – between 9am and 4pm
- Sunday, May 2 – between 9am and 4pm
The libraries are also in town and shopping centres, close to public transport for the convenience of all residents in the borough.
Turnout concerns
At a full council meeting on Wednesday, October 21, a council report said that participation in this 2027 pilot is considered to be beneficial to review the impact flexible voting may have locally on election turnout. The goal is that this flexibility will increase election turnout in the borough, which remains lower than national and regional levels.
In 2024, turnout was just 21.48% compared to 30.4% in the North West on average, and 32% in England. This fell lower from the 2022 turnout of 24.6% and 22.7% in 2023, showing a year-on-year problem. For 2026 local elections, turnout increased similarly around the country, but was still low in Knowsley at 28.6%.
Addressing scepticism
The council acknowledged potential public scepticism regarding concerns for transparency and preventing "double voting". Electronic tablets would be used to ensure electoral registers are updated in "real time" throughout the pilot, as well as on the May 6 election day.
Currently, people can vote on election day at their designated polling station, through postal voting, or appointing a proxy – where you choose someone to vote on your behalf.
Cllr Jayne Lonergan, cabinet member for resources, said: "As well as the traditional voting methods, the flexible voting pilot provides opportunities for electors wishing to cast their vote to do so in a conveniently based, well-attended venue, at times that are convenient to them which includes weekends, ahead of polling day.
"We know the busy lives people live, so ensuring we provide as many options as possible for people to have their say on who they would like to represent them is really important."
The council said that a calendar of events would also be created in each of the library areas, with a goal of increasing footfall at the relevant times and encouraging people to use the libraries to vote. Temporary staff and additional hours of work are expected to be needed, the costs of which will be reimbursed and funded by central government.
