Voting in person

Before every election (except for parish elections, unless the parish council chooses to have poll cards) we deliver poll cards to everyone registered and entitled  to vote. These tell you the date of the election, what the election is, what the voting hours are and where your polling station is located. And from May 2023 this will list the suitable photo ID you must bring with you - this will be listed on the back of the new style poll card that will be posted to you in an envelope.
 

What to do when you get to the polling station

Put simply, you report on arrival to the staff at the station, you will be asked to confirm your name and address as per your poll card. The staff will check your entitlement to vote and then ask to see your photo identity. If they are happy with your identity shown they will then give you a ballot paper(s), and mark you off on their register. You take it to one of the voting booths and mark it in secret. You then put it in the ballot box at the station and leave. That's all there is to it!

If you lose your poll card, or one fails to be delivered for any reason, that's not a problem. You don't need it to vote so long as you are registered. Just go to your polling station and give your address. The staff will check you are registered and, if so, issue you with your vote.
 

If you cannot get to your polling station on election day

If you cannot to get to your polling station on election day, you can apply to vote by post up to 11 working days before the date of the election, or vote by proxy up to six working days before the date of the election (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf).
 

Support for disabled voters or those with additional communication needs

We are committed to supporting disabled people to vote in elections and can support disabled voters in a number of ways.

• In addition to being able to vote by post, disabled voters can register to vote by proxy.
• Every polling station will have an accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible polling booth.
• Large print sample ballot papers and tactile voting devices are available to assist voters with visual impairments.
• Someone can help you vote if you need them to. This can be the Presiding Officer at your polling station, a family member, friend or support worker, as long as they are 18 years old or over and eligible to vote in the election.
• Polling station staff can give you a tour of the station before you vote so you can familiarise yourself with the station.

If you have any special requirements to help you to vote at a polling station, find out about other additional measures we take to help anyone with any form of disability. 

Voting guides for those with additional needs

• Mencap are keen to encourage people with learning disabilities to use their vote. The Mencap website gives some useful information about voting including easy to read guides.
• View our Makaton guide on how to vote in person (PDF, 575 KB) which uses signs, symbols, and speech to explain the process. 
• My Vote My Voice are on a mission to make voting accessible for all, view their how to vote in person guide.

If you wish to read more, please visit the Electoral Commission https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/accessibility-polling-day