You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors.

 

The following people are allowed to vote:

• Persons aged 18 or over.
• 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.

Poll Cards
Poll cards are delivered a few weeks before an Election.  Each member of the household who is eligible to vote should receive a poll card which informs them of the date of the election, where their polling station is and the hours of poll.  You do not need to take the poll card with you to the polling station in order to vote.

 

Postal Votes
If you are a postal voter, you will be sent a postal voter's poll card,

 

The hours of poll for all elections are now 7.00am to 10.00pm.

 

How to make your vote
On arrival at your designated polling station, the Presiding Officer will ask you to confirm your name and address and will issue you with a ballot paper.  

You should take the ballot paper to the voting booth and mark a "X" opposite the name or names of the candidate(s) you wish to vote for.

Fold the ballot paper, place it in the ballot box and then leave the polling station. 

Ballot papers must not be taken out of the polling station.

 
If you spoil your ballot paper, take it to the Presiding Officer and ask for another one.

 

What if I am unable to get to the Polling Station on Election Day?

 

If you are unable to go to your Polling Station on Election Day, you can apply to vote by post or appoint a proxy (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf).

 

If you have a physical disability, are registered blind or receive the higher rate of mobility component of the disability living allowance for a physical disability, you are eligible for a permanent proxy vote.  The form requires a declaration that the information is correct made by a doctor, nurse or warden of a home.

 

If your work or studying frequently takes you away from home, you can apply for a permanent proxy vote, although you will need to ask someone to support your application, for example your employer.

 

An elector can apply for a proxy vote at a particular election, although a reason must be specified on the application, such as working away from home on polling day, being on holiday or in hospital etc.

 

Click here for more details about Postal and Proxy Voting