How to Vote

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Whether you prefer to vote in person at your local polling station, send in your ballot by post, or appoint someone to vote on your behalf, we provide clear and detailed instructions to make the process simple and accessible. Find out more about how to ensure your vote counts.

Voting in person

You vote in person at a polling station (usually in a public building, such as a school or local hall).

Your poll card

  • You’ll be sent a poll card just before the election telling you when to vote and at which polling station.
  • You can only vote at the polling station location on your card.
  • You do not have to take your poll card with you.

If you have not received a poll card but think you should have, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

You can still vote if you’ve lost your card.

When you get to the polling station. Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.

You’ll need to show your photo ID or voter ID certificate to confirm your identity before voting.

Voting if you have a disability

If you have a disability, your local Electoral Registration Office can tell you about:

  • physical access, for example wheelchair ramps and disabled parking spaces.
  • low-level polling booths.
  • any specific equipment you need.

Every polling station must provide at least one large print display version of the ballot paper.

Voting by post

You must apply for a postal vote if you want to vote by post, for example if:

  • you’re away from home.
  • you’re abroad and want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales.

You do not need to give a reason unless you’re voting in Northern Ireland.

If you want to apply for a postal vote online, you must apply by 5pm on 19 June 2024.

If you want to apply for a postal vote by post, you must get your postal vote application to your local Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on 19 June 2024.

If you live abroad

  • If you live abroad and want to vote by postal vote, make sure you apply for and return your postal vote as soon as possible. It can take a long time for your ballot pack to reach you and get back to the UK, especially if your local postal services are irregular or if you live far from the UK.

The Electoral Commission advises people living overseas to apply for a proxy vote if possible.

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.

You can only apply for a proxy vote under 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.

Your proxy should be someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You’ll need to tell them which candidate you want to vote for.

If you want to apply for your proxy vote online, you must apply by 5pm on 26 June 2024.

If you want to apply for your proxy vote by post, you must get your proxy vote application to your local Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on 19 June 2024.

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 not yet received a new or replacement photo ID you’ve ordered.

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