How to register and alternative ways to vote including postal, proxy, and emergency proxy votes
How can I vote?
- You must be on the Electoral Register to vote
- You can register at anytime throughout the year
- If you move house, you must re-register at the new property
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
You do not need your poll card to vote, give the poll clerk your name and address to find you on the register. You will also need to show a form of accepted photo ID. Once you are verified by the member of staff, they will 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 or cant get to the polling station. You need to apply early, if you miss the application deadline you will not be able to vote by post.
An application to vote by post must be verified, the quickest way to apply is online at the link below. You will need your National Insurance number and date of birth details to complete your application.
Apply for a postal vote online
Someone voting on your behalf (one time only)
Someone can vote for you, this is called a proxy vote.
An application to vote by proxy must be verified, the quickest way to apply is online at the link below. You will need your National Insurance number and date of birth details to complete your application.
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.
An application to vote by proxy must be verified, the quickest way to apply is online at the link below. You will need your National Insurance number and date of birth details to complete your application.
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 website for online proxy applications is unavailable
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.
Please note our Privacy Notice - Electoral Services (PDF, 297KB)
If you can not apply for a postal or proxy online please contact the elections team for a paper application on 01303 853497 or by email to elections@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.
Submit evidence as part of your application
If you have been asked to submit evidence as part of your application to register to vote please use our online form by clicking the link below. Please make sure you have photos or scanned images of your evidence saved on your phone or computer ready to add to your form.
Provide supporting evidence for the electoral register
Completed applications must be sent to the Electoral Registration Officer, Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY or sent by email to elections@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.