How to register and vote

How can I vote?

• You must be on the Electoral Register to vote
• You can register at anytime throughout the year
• Once you are registered you do not need to re-register unless you move

Register to vote

If you are not on the Electoral Register, you must register by the election registration deadline in order to vote in that particular election. If you miss the deadline you cannot vote so we strongly recommend you register as early as possible.

It takes less than five minutes to register online.

If you are not sure if you are registered, please contact us on 01303 853497.

Different ways to vote

At a polling station

Find your polling station here.  You do not need your poll card to vote, simply give the poll clerk your name and address to find you on the Register.  They will then give you your ballot paper to cast your vote.

Vote by post

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible to ensure your postal or proxy application is received before a deadline date.

Voting by post is great if you are away for the election.  You need to apply early, if you miss the application deadline you will not be able to vote by post.

Click here for application forms to vote by post

You will be transferred to the Your Vote Matters website with the most up to date application forms.

Someone voting on your behalf (one time only)

Someone can vote for you, this is called a proxy vote.  

Click here for application forms to vote by proxy

You will be transferred to the Your Vote Matters website with the most up to date application forms.

Someone voting on your behalf (permanently)

Applications to permanently vote by proxy can be made at anytime throughout the year.

You can only apply for a permanent proxy vote if any of the following restricts you from attending a polling station:

• a medical issue or disability
• existing work commitments
• armed service commitments

You will need your permanent proxy vote application signed by someone confirming your reasons for wanting a proxy vote. The application form will tell you who needs to sign it.

Click here for application forms to vote by proxy

You will be transferred to the Your Vote Matters website with the most up to date application forms.

Someone voting for you in an emergency

Applications to vote by emergency proxy can only be made from 5pm six working days before an election/referendum until 5pm on polling day.

You can only apply for an emergency proxy vote if either of the following restrict you from attending a polling station:

• you have a medical emergency which occurred after 5pm on the  sixth working day before an election
• you become aware of last minute work, armed service or employment commitments after 5pm on the sixth working day before an election

The emergency proxy vote application must be supported by a qualifying person (a doctor or your boss), confirming your reasons for wanting an emergency proxy vote. The application form will tell you who needs to sign and support it.

Click here for application forms to vote by proxy

You will be transferred to the Your Vote Matters website with the most up to date application forms.

You can download our Privacy Notice from the downloads section on the right to read how your information is processed in Electoral Services.