How to Vote

Information about how to vote on polling day or how to register for a postal or proxy vote.

Voting in a polling station

All voters are allocated to a specific polling station. We will provide details of the polling station on your poll card, which is sent around 5 weeks before polling day.
All polling stations are assessed for accessibility and will have facilities to enable everyone to vote.

If you have any concerns about your allocated polling station, or you wish to discuss specific accessibility requirements, please contact electoral services directly.

Note that from May 2023 it is a requirement for all voters in polling stations to show ID before they can be issued with a ballot paper.

Apply for Voter ID

Completing a ballot paper

When you are issued with a ballot paper, either in a polling station, or via a postal vote, you will find instructions at the top of the ballot paper to explain exactly how to vote. In most cases, you will be asked to place an X in the box next to the candidate of your choice. If you have more than one vote, as in some local councillor elections, the ballot paper will tell you.

Don't make any other marks on the ballot paper as it could lead to your vote being rejected. If you're not sure how to mark the ballot paper, ask a member of staff in the polling station, or contact electoral services by phone.

How to vote by post

You can now apply for a postal vote online at Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You can apply for a one-off postal vote for a specific election, or for all elections.
If you apply for a postal vote, we will send your ballot paper to your home or another specified address.
You need to apply for a postal vote by 5pm on the 11th working day before the election.
If you cannot apply for the postal vote online, contact us for a paper form to be sent to you.

Complete the postal vote application online

How to vote by proxy

A proxy vote is when you appoint somebody else to vote on your behalf.
Your proxy can opt to vote at your allocated polling station, or they can apply for a postal vote.
Apply for the proxy online at Apply for a proxy vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You can only apply to vote by proxy for a specific election.
You need to apply for a proxy vote by 5pm on the 6th working day before the election.
If you cannot apply for the proxy vote online, contact us for a paper form to be sent to you.

Complete the proxy vote application online

Emergency proxy voting

Find out more information about emergency proxy voting.

Published on: 10/01/2024