Why were some people being encouraged to vote early?

As political parties start the home stretch of campaigning in this year's local elections, in some areas the finish line has already been reached.

Cambridge is one of four areas taking part in trials to modernise voting this year.

The city council has been operating three early voting hubs during the past week, giving residents the chance to cast their vote before the official election date - which this year is 7 May.

It is part of a government trial to offer different ways of voting, with the long term aim being to improve voter turnout.

Weekend trials are taking place for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and for parish council elections in Royston, Hertfordshire.

Milton Keynes is offering a central voting hub at Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, to give people a convenient place to vote, on 7 May.

The Labour government committed to encouraging "greater participation" in its 2024 election manifesto.

It wants to explore ways to "make voting in person more efficient, more convenient, and better aligned with the expectations of today's electors".

It said the pilots would explore how flexible voting methods could better support electors who may face barriers to participation, "such as disabled voters, those in remote areas, and communities that are less likely to engage".

They invited areas holding elections in 2026 to apply to take part in trials. Cambridge City, Milton Keynes, North Hertfordshire and Tunbridge Wells were chosen.

There are about 90,000 registered voters in Cambridge City, according to elections manager Vicky Jenner. She has been running ballots for 30 years and was excited about taking part in the trial.

"We think it's really important that people have choice and flexibility in order to vote," she said.

Returning officer and council chief executive, Robert Pollock, said he was keen to get involved in the trial when the government announced it, adding: "We want to bring voting into the 21st Century.

"I think Cambridge is a place that is associated with innovation, so let's test something here. If we can make it work, can it be adopted nationally?"

He added that voter turnout in Cambridge during local elections was typically about 38%, and he would "love to get over 40%".

The system was praised by voters at the Cambridge Guildhall on Thursday.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Chris Burton said: "It was a very, very efficient experience, immensely convenient because I'm not here next week, and I don't want to go through the postal vote and all of that."

Though he said he had never failed to vote while being away, the 80-year-old added: "It just gets more complicated when you've got to take a postal vote.

"The fact you can come here and bring the day forward effectively works very well indeed – so as long as the system works on a legal basis, that's all that matters."

Alex Downie also said he thought it was "a very good idea".

"If you're going on holiday it's otherwise very awkward to vote, it's important for democracy."

The 77-year-old said he would register for a postal vote if needed, but praised the scheme for making voting much more convenient.

"It's better this way because we come into town quite a lot – it's nice and straightforward."

His wife, Fiona, 66, described the pilot as "fantastic".

"Sometimes it's hard to vote when you're working - I once almost missed it. This was perfect – quick, easy, and we were coming into town anyway."

She said she would support a similar system going forward.

"Do it all the time, do it in the general election."

At the Cambridge hubs, officials asked voters for feedback on their experiences, with reports due to be published later this year.

The findings will be analysed by government to inform future decisions on electoral reform.

Similar trials have taken place in other parts of the UK in the past. Reports by the Electoral Commission showed a small voter turnout increase of 1.5%.

Further trials are expected to happen in other council areas over the next few years.

Early voting does take place in other parts of the world. Vicky Jenner said she went to visit Norway last year to observe their parliamentary elections.

"They do have a very well established early voting system," she said.

"It was very interesting that the majority of people who voted did vote early."

She said that 60% of people voted early and 20% on the main day.

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