How to vote
Find out about voting in your area
Voting in person, by post or proxy
Most people vote in person at their local polling station. Polling stations may be some distance away (particularly in rural areas). Every effort is made to choose polling stations that are easy to get to, and accessible to all. However, polling stations have to be located in buildings normally used for other purposes and choice may be limited.
If you are unable to go to the polling station in person on election day, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy.
Postal voting
If you are registered to vote in an election or referendum, you may be able to vote by post. A postal vote counts the same as a vote in person and is subject to the same security and secrecy provisions.
You do not automatically get a postal vote even if you are correctly registered for an election or referendum. If you do not already have a postal vote, you have to request one. You do not have to ask for a postal vote just for a particular election or referendum but can have it for all subsequent ones.
Please apply for a postal vote well before Election Day as you will need to complete the application form -11 working days before the election.
Postal voting packs are mailed out about 2 weeks before election day and which include a prepaid envelope for their return to our offices. Don't forget to return your postal vote before election day, or it will not be counted.
If you would like to apply for a postal vote, please visit the new postal voting application service and fill out the form online.
If you are unable to do this, please contact the Electoral Services team to request a paper form.
Full details of how postal votes work, and the rules governing them are provided by the Electoral Commission.
Proxy voting
If getting to and using a polling station may be difficult, and you do not wish to vote by post, you can appoint someone else to vote for you.
Proxy voting means asking someone to vote on your behalf at the polling station. A proxy vote counts the same as any other vote and is subject to the same security and secrecy provisions.
If you apply for a proxy vote you will have to provide a reason, for example you may be working or studying away from home or on holiday. You will need to nominate someone to vote on your behalf according to your wishes. You do not have to ask for a proxy vote just for a particular election or referendum but may be able to have it for all subsequent ones.
Please apply for a proxy vote well before the polling day as you will need to receive, complete and return a proxy vote application form. Details of deadlines will be published on this website in line with upcoming elections.
More details of how proxy votes work and the rules governing them are provided by the Electoral Commission.
If you would like to apply for a proxy vote, please visit the new proxy voting application service and fill out the form online.
If you are unable to do this, please contact the Electoral Services team to request a paper form.