Where and How to Vote

Registering to Vote

Before you can vote in a local election, you must be registered to vote. You can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. You'll need your National Insurance number and will need to provide your date of birth and address. Registration typically takes around five minutes to complete. Make sure you register before the deadline, which is usually 12 working days before polling day. If you've recently moved house or changed your name, you'll need to update your registration details.

Voting on Polling Day

On election day, polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. You'll receive a poll card in the post telling you where your polling station is located, but you don't need to bring this card with you to vote. When you arrive at the polling station, give your name and address to the staff, and they'll provide you with a ballot paper. Take this to a polling booth where you can vote in private.

Mark an 'X' next to your chosen candidate or candidates – follow the instructions on the ballot paper carefully as some local elections allow you to vote for multiple candidates. Once you've made your choice, fold your ballot paper and post it into the ballot box. You must bring accepted photo ID to vote, such as a passport, driving licence, or Proof of Age Standards Scheme card.

Alternative Voting Methods

If you can't vote in person on polling day, you have other options. You can apply for a postal vote, which allows you to complete your ballot paper at home and return it by post before election day. Alternatively, you can appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf by applying for a proxy vote. Applications for postal and proxy votes must be submitted by specific deadlines before the election, so it's important to plan ahead. You can also apply for an emergency proxy in certain circumstances, such as a medical emergency, up until 5pm on polling day.

PLEASE VOTE
We live in a Democratic Society and let's keep it that way