When it comes to voting, there are several options; in person, voting by proxy, or via postal vote.

Voting in person

To vote in person you'll need to go to a polling station on the day of voting. Polling stations are open from 7am-10pm.

Poll card

You'll be sent a poll card in the post before the election, which includes details on when to vote and where your polling station is. You can only vote at the polling station location displayed on your card.

If you've lost your poll card, you can still vote as you don't need to take your poll card with you when you vote. If you've lost your card and forgotten where your polling station is, call your local Council and they'll be able to tell you where you should vote.

How to vote

On the day of voting, you'll need to take your photo ID and go to the polling station stated on your poll card. You do not need to take your poll card with you.

When you arrive at the polling station, give your name and address to the staff inside. The staff will tick you off their list, check your ID, and give you a ballot paper containing a list of the options you can vote for.

If you're trans or non-binary and worried about needing photo ID to vote, you don't need to use a photo ID that includes a gender marker. Privacy screens will also be available at polling stations if you'd prefer to show your ID privately.

Postal vote

You can apply for a postal vote for any reason (except in Northern Ireland). This means if you're going to be away on election day or think you will be too busy to go to the polls, you can still vote. The deadline for postal votes will be announced once the election has been announced, but you can apply for a blanket 3 years of postal votes if needed.

If you're too late to post your vote once you've received it, make sure you take it to your local polling station by 10pm on election day or to your Electoral Registration Office before they close. Remember, every vote counts so don't miss out!

Voting by proxy

If you're unable to vote in person, you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote. Your proxy should be someone you trust to vote on your behalf. Make sure you tell them which candidate (or referendum outcome) you want to vote for!

You must apply for your proxy vote by 5pm, 6 working days before election day in England, Scotland, or Wales.

You can only apply for a proxy vote in certain circumstances, including:

  • Being away on polling day
  • Being registered as an overseas voter
  • Having a medical issue or disability
  • Not being able to vote in person because of work or military service

How to apply for an emergency proxy vote

If the proxy vote deadline has passed, you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if any of the following apply:

  • You cannot vote in person because of a medical emergency or disability
  • You cannot vote in person because of your employment
  • The photo ID you were planning on using to vote has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed
  • You've ordered but not yet received a new or replacement photo ID

You do not need to show photo ID to vote in person in all UK elections and referendums. Check if you need to bring a photo ID to vote.

In England, Scotland, and Wales, you have until 5pm on the day of the election to apply for an emergency proxy. If you're applying for an emergency proxy vote because of a medical emergency, disability, or your employment, your application form must be signed by an 'appropriate person' (for example your employer or a doctor).

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy - as long as they:

  • Are registered to vote
  • Are allowed to vote in the type of election taking place
  • Can vote in the polling station stated on your poll card

They'll need to take their own photo ID with them to vote in some elections.

If they cannot get to your polling station, they will need to contact your local Electoral Registration Office to arrange to cast their proxy vote by post.