On 2 May 2024, people across the West Midlands are being invited to vote in the polls to elect

• A Mayor for the West Midlands Combined Authority
• A Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands 
• Councillors within local authority areas of, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. 

(In Selly Oak and Bournbrook in Birmingham there is just one by election)

The Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority is in charge of strategic infrastructure in the region, like making trains run on time, getting more homes built, and helping businesses grow. This Mayor works with local council leaders under the West Midlands Combined Authority umbrella to make the West Midlands a better place to live and work. They’ve got a big job: to boost the local economy, improve transport, and sort out education for adults. So, voting for the Mayor is pretty important because they get to make decisions that really shape the future of the region.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the West Midlands serves as the senior official overseeing policing within the area. Elected democratically by voters, their role is to ensure that the local police force operates efficiently and aligns with community concerns regarding crime and safety. The PCC is responsible for setting policing priorities, allocating the police budget, and has the authority to appoint or dismiss the chief constable based on performance. So, if you’re fed up with how crime is being tackled, or if you think the police are doing a top job, the PCC is the person to talk to. Essentially, the PCC is there to bridge the gap between the police and the public, making sure everyone’s voice is heard when it comes to keeping the streets safe

A local councillor looks after a district called a ‘ward’, and is basically your go-to person if you’ve got issues or ideas about your local area. They’re elected by votes in the community to represent them and make decisions on their behalf at the council level. This can be anything from sorting out rubbish collection times to planning what new buildings should go where, or even sorting out local parks and services.

Councillors aim to be out and about in the community, listening to what people need and want. They’re like the intermediary between the people and the council – they take your concerns and ideas back to the council to try and make things better for everyone.

They’ve also got to keep an eye on how the council’s money is being spent to make sure it’s fair and for the good of the community. So, in a nutshell, they’re your voice in the council, fighting your corner and trying to make the local area a better place to live. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s all about making the community as good as it can be.

Voting might seem like a bit of a chore, especially when you’re dealing with complex issues and barriers like not having a place to call home. But here’s the thing: your vote is extremely important. Councillors and other elected officials make decisions on things that impact your day-to-day life, like support services for homelessness, housing, and local amenities you might lean on. So, by chucking your vote in the mix, you’re helping choose someone who might actually listen and make decisions that could better your situation. Plus, it’s a way to get the issues you face right on the radar of the individuals who can do something about it.

And it’s not just about the here and now. Voting is your chance to have a say in shaping the future—like pushing for policies that prevent homelessness or improve support networks. Even more, it’s about making sure the voices of people who are often sidelined are included. 

Every vote counts, especially in local elections where the margins can be tight. So, it’s a powerful tool for change, not just for you, but for the whole community facing similar struggles. By voting, you’re not just another statistic; you’re someone actively participating in democratic change.

Who can register to vote in local, Mayoral and PCC elections? 

You must be: 

• Aged 18 or over; and 
• Resident and registered to vote in the UK, or an eligible UK citizen living overseas; and

You must also be one of the following:

• a British citizen
• an Irish or EU citizen
• a qualifying Commonwealth citizen
• a citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission

Really Important Info:

You can register to vote even if you are homeless or don’t have a fixed address. You can use the address of somewhere you spend a lot of your time, like a day centre or night shelter, a friend’s place or somewhere outdoors. 

Deadline for registering to Vote in the May 2024 Elections

Register by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024

For more information about how to register to vote, find the forms you need to complete and get a Voter Authority Certificate, go to the government website

Helping people meet the voter ID requirement

The government are aware that some groups are more likely to face challenges because of the voter ID rule and might need a hand getting a photo ID.

Groups working directly with voters, like local authorities and charities, can help individuals in making sure they have a photo ID before any election. Check in with your local rough sleeper navigator service or drop in centre for help with this.