BRITISH voters are going back to the polls this week for local elections up and down the country. Here’s everything you need to know about casting your vote. Where is your local polling station? Voting can be done in a number of ways – by proxy, by post, or in person. Those voting in person […]
BRITISH voters are going back to the polls this week for local elections up and down the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about casting your vote.
Voting can be done in a number of ways – by proxy, by post, or in person.
Those voting in person will need to head to their local polling station to cast their ballot.
Voting is normally held in a large local building, such as a school, community centre or church.
The location of your polling station will be on the poll card sent to you.
If you can’t find the poll card, you can contact your local authority to find out.
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on the day of the election, known as polling day.
You can find contact details for your local Electoral Registration Office on the government website.
In order to vote you must first make sure you are registered.
If you’re not sure, contact your local authority on the same details as discussed in the last section, as there is currently no way to check your registration status online.
You had until Thursday 17 April to register.
Voters can cast their ballot in person, by post, or by proxy
Proxy voting is when you get somebody to go to the polling station and vote on your behalf.
This normally happens if you can’t make it for some reason, including:
Usually, you need to apply for a proxy vote at least six working days before the election.
Anyone can be asked to vote by proxy by another person – as long as the proxy is registered to vote themselves and they’re allowed to vote in the same type of election.
You can be a proxy for two people at the same election, or more if the extra people are close relatives.
To apply to vote this way, fill out a proxy voting form which can be downloaded from the government website.
Then send it off to your local electoral registration office.
You must give a reason why you need to vote by proxy and may need a qualified person to sign your application.
You can also apply for an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day.
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