Who can vote?
You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors.
The following people are allowed to vote:
- if you are eighteen years or over
- all British, Commonwealth, Irish and other European Union citizens
- overseas electors
- members of HM Forces and their spouses
- crown servants employed outside the United Kingdom
- European citizens are allowed to vote in European and Local elections only
- overseas Electors are allowed to vote in Parliamentary and European Elections only
How will I know an election is taking place, and where I can vote?
You will get a poll card just before an election if you are eligible to vote. This will tell you when the election is, where you should go to vote and when the polling station is open.
If you already know where your polling station is located, and that you are registered to vote, you can attend at the polling station without your poll card.
What happens at the polling station?
The polling station is often a school or local hall near where you live. 'Polling' is another word for voting. Tell the staff inside the polling station your name and address so they can check that you're on the register. You can show them your poll card, but you do not need it to vote.
The staff at the polling station will give you a list of the people or parties you can vote for. This is called a ballot paper. It will contain an official mark. You may be given more than one ballot paper if there is more than one election on the same day.
Go into a polling booth so that no one can see how you vote. You will be asked to put a cross (X) in the box next to the person or party you want to vote for.
Do not write anything else on the paper or your vote may not be counted.
Fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box. If you are not clear what to do, ask the staff at the polling station to help you. Do not let anyone else see your vote.
What happens after I've voted?
When voting is over the votes are counted. The winner or winners are the people with the most votes. These people are responsible for representing you.
You can tell them what you think about issues that affect you, by phone, by letter or by email. You can also ask to meet and speak to them in person.
Do I have to go to a polling station to vote?
No. If you cannot get to the polling station you can apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote.
If you would like any more information please contact us using the details at the top of this page