We have published our report on the May 2025 elections in England. The report looks at how the elections were run, how voters found taking part, and what lessons can be learned for the future.
Overall, we found that electoral administrators continue to deliver well-run elections, and voters continue to have high levels of confidence and satisfaction in the polls.
Other findings include:
Turnout continued to be low. While low turnout at local elections is common, we have seen turnout declining over recent decades.
People still had broad concerns about potential threats to elections including misinformation and disinformation.
Most people knew they needed to show ID (90%) and most people who wanted to vote could vote. But only 56% knew that they could get a free voter ID.
The Commission and the rest of the electoral community still need to do more to raise public awareness of the additional equipment and/or support available in polling stations to voters who need it.
Disabled voters were less likely to say that voting is easy or secret compared to people without a disability.
The timetable for postponing some of the scheduled elections caused problems for elections teams
To support your delivery of the annual canvass, we have a set of resources to help you promote the canvass in your area and encourage residents to complete the required steps.
Available resources include:
social media graphics
template social media messaging
template press releases.
The social media graphics are designed to be clear and adaptable, using simple icons to represent the key stages of the canvass. The graphics are supported by ready-to-use social media messages, allowing you to select what will work best for you and your residents.
If you have any questions about these resources, please contact [email protected] .