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Elections - voting

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.

Poll cards are delivered shortly 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 be able to vote.

• Polling hours for all elections are now 7.00 am to 10.00 pm
• 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
• The ballot paper will bear an official security mark.
• You should take the ballot paper to the voting booth and mark with an "X" the candidate you wish to vote for
• Fold the ballot paper and deposit it in the ballot box.

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 proxy (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf). Postal voting is available to anyone.

To vote by proxy, you must have due qualification under one of the following categories:

• If you have a permanent physical incapacity, 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 postal or proxy vote. The form requires the declaration that the information is correct from a doctor, nurse or warden of a home
• If your work frequently takes you overseas
• If you will be on holiday when the election is taking place
• If you have moved house since you registered and are unable to go to your old polling station
• If you are working during all hours of voting, for example as a member of the election staff.

Please contact the Electoral Registration Officer who will advise which form you will need to complete.

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Other pages you may find useful

• Elections - electoral register (PID 364)
• Elections - proxy votes (PID 361)