How to vote on polling day
To be able to vote, you need to be registered.
Here's what to do on polling day
Polling stations are open on the day of the election from 7am to 10pm.
- Your poll card will tell you where and when to vote
- You must show photo identification (ID) at the polling station to vote
- Go to your local polling station. If you are disabled and need assistance you can ask to have a companion with you when you vote
- If you have children or dogs, you can take them into the polling station with you
- Tell the staff inside the polling station your name and address. They will check that you are on the electoral register. You do not need to take your polling card with you to vote
- The staff at the polling station will give you a ballot paper. It will list the candidates that you can vote for, and the party they represent.
- If there is more than one election on that day, you will get more than one ballot paper
- If you have a visual impairment, you can ask for a special voting device that allows you to vote on your own in secret
- Take your ballot paper into a polling booth. This is so that no one can see how you vote. Mark a cross (X) in the box to the right of the name of the candidate 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. Do not let anyone see your vote
- If you are unsure about anything, ask the polling staff to help you
Electoral offences
Your right to vote is yours alone. Nobody should stop you from voting or interfere with your right to vote. Nobody can find out how you voted.
There is more information about electoral fraud on the Crimestoppers website.
Reporting offences
If you become aware that an electoral offence is being committed, report it to us on 01282 661919.
You can also report electoral offences to Crimestoppers anonymously by:
- calling 0800 555 111
- completing an online form www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information