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 (publicised 25 days before an election/referendum) 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.

Different ways to vote

Vote by post

Applications to vote by post can be made at anytime throughout the year. If you apply for a permanent postal vote you do not need to re-apply unless you move.

We strongly recommend that you apply for a postal vote as early as possible, to ensure it is set up and can be delivered to you in advance of an election/referendum.

If you want a postal vote during the build up to an election/referendum you must apply before the postal vote application deadline (publicised 25 days before an election/referendum). If you miss the deadline you will not receive a postal vote.

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 once

Someone can vote for you by applying for a proxy vote.  Applications to vote by proxy for a single election/referendum can be made up until 5.00pm, 6 working days before the election/referendum date.

We strongly recommend that you apply for a proxy vote as early as possible, to ensure your proxy vote is set up in advance of an election/referendum.

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 permanently

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 5.00pm 6 working days before an election/referendum until 5.00pm 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 occur after 5.00pm on the 6th working day before an election
• you become aware of occupation, armed service or employment commitments after 5.00pm on the 6th working day before an election

The emergency proxy vote application must be attested 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 attest it.

Click here for application forms to vote by emergency 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.