If you’re eligible and registered to vote, and haven’t sent off a postal vote, you can vote in at your local polling station.
You should have received a polling card with the details of your local polling station a couple of weeks before the election. If you’ve lost it and unsure of the details, you can check where your polling station is by putting your postcode into the Electoral Commission website here.
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on polling day. Here are some do’s and don’ts for voting at your local polling station.
Do...
Vote early
Polling stations can get particularly busy towards the end of the day. But don’t worry – if you’re in the polling station or in line to vote by 10pm, you’ll still be able to cast your ballot!
Ask for help
If you need help at any stage, polling station staff will be on hand to assist you. If you have a disability, the presiding officer can help you mark your ballot paper. If you have a visual impairment, you can ask for a large print ballot paper, or a special voting device that allows you to vote on your own in secret.
Take ID in Northern Ireland
You do not need your polling card or ID to vote, unless you live in Northern Ireland where you will need ID.
Wear whatever you want
As long as it’s not encouraging support for a particular candidate or party.
Vote!
Every vote counts and you should always use your vote!
Don't...
Take photos or selfies
While you’re in the polling station, at least. There’s no law against it, but there are laws against interfering with the secrecy of the ballot. Anyone found guilty of this offence can face a £50,000 fine or six months in prison. So best not risk it!
Do take photos outside the polling station for social media or to encourage friends and family to vote though!
Talk about candidates or parties
This is forbidden as it may intimidate other voters. Polling station staff will ask you to stop. You are also not allowed to ask others how they voted while in the polling station. Nor can you distribute party political material.
Sign your ballot
You do not need to do anything with your ballot apart from mark with an ‘X’ who your preferred candidate is. It is a secret ballot – if your ballot can be identified as belonging to you, it won’t be counted!
