How to vote

Vote in person

After registering to vote, you will automatically be registered to vote in person at a polling station, unless you complete the application form to vote by post or proxy.

You will receive a poll card before the election which will tell you where your polling station is. You don't need your poll card in order to vote but it is helpful to have with you. You will need to take Photo ID with you when voting. You can find out what types of ID are accepted on the Electoral Commission website (external link).

Find your polling station using the Where Do I Vote website (external link).

Accessibility and assistance

All polling stations have step free access and can offer a booth for wheelchair users. Large print ballot papers and devices to help you vote on your own can be given out if needed.

Vote by post

Anyone who wants to, can vote by post. You do not need to give a reason, but you do need to download and fill out the online postal vote application form on the GOV.UK website (external link).

You will need your National Insurance Number – or give a reason why you cannot supply it – and you will have to include a copy of your signature.

You will need to apply for your postal vote before the cut off date for ballot papers to be sent out.

If we don't get your application you will still be able to vote in person on the election day at your polling station.

If you cannot complete the online application form, please apply to vote by post application form on the Electoral Commission website (external link) and return it to us: 

• by post
• scanned and sent by email

We will let you know when your form has been processed.

Vote by proxy

If you are unable to vote in person for a particular election, for example you are on holiday, you can get someone to vote for you and tell them who to vote for. This is called a proxy vote.

You can apply to vote by proxy by filling out an online vote by proxy application form on the GOV.UK website (external link).

If you cannot complete the online for you can fill out the apply to vote by proxy application form on the Electoral Commission website (external link). You will need to give reason why you need a proxy vote.

Post the form back using the contact information below, at least six working days before the election.

Please be aware that it is now an offence to knowingly appoint someone who is already a proxy for more than four electors, only two of whom can be domestic electors (the other two could be overseas electors or service voters). It is also an offence for a proxy to vote for more than this limit.