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Polling stations

Most people choose to cast their vote in person at a polling station. If you cannot attend your polling station on polling day, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Where to vote?

Prior to an election, you will receive your poll card in the post. This card will include details of the date of the election, the address of your designated polling station and the times it is open, and instructions on what to do if you are unable to attend your polling station.

You do not have to take your poll card with you to the polling station to cast your vote.

How to vote?

At the polling station you will be met with a Presiding Officer and a Poll Clerk.

The Poll Clerk will ask you to verbally state your name and address. It helps to take your polling card with you when you vote although you can make your vote without it.

From 4 May 2023, voters will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. For a list of accepted forms of photo ID and for further information visit the Voter ID page

Please note: It is an offence to give false information. Giving false information may result in prosecution.

The Presiding Officer will give you your ballot paper which will say how many candidates you can vote for. Simply take the ballot paper to a polling booth and put a cross next to the candidate or depending on the election, candidates you wish to vote for.

Do not write anything else on the paper or you risk your vote not being counted. Fold the ballot paper and place it in the ballot box.

You do not have to tell anyone who you voted for.

Elections are held between 7am to 10pm on the selected date.

If you are unsure where your polling station is located, please use the polling station finder or contact Electoral Services on 01443 490100.

View a polling station walk through provided by the Electoral Commission.

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