Ways to vote

Vote in person

If you are registered to vote, you will be able to vote at a polling station.

You will receive a polling card with the address and opening times of your polling station on it one month before an election. You can also find your polling station online.

When you arrive at the polling station, you will be asked to confirm your name and address. It is helpful to bring your polling card with you, but if you forget it that’s not a problem.

Once you have confirmed your name and address, you will be asked to show photo ID. When you have provided your name, address and photo ID, you will be given a ballot paper for each election happening on the day and directed to a polling booth.

To cast your vote, mark a cross (X) against the name of the candidate(s) you wish to elect. The ballot paper will confirm how many candidates you can vote for. Then place the ballot paper in the ballot box.

Find your polling station

Voter Identification

All voters in England are required to present photographic identification when attending the polling station. This currently applies to Local, Police & Crime Commissioner and UK Parliamentary elections. Voters can only present identification that has been authorised and it must be the original. Example of the accepted forms of ID are:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge
• Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Freedom Pass
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Biometric immigration document
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Voter Authority Certificate

You can view a full list on the Electoral Commission's website. If a voter does not have a form of ID that is acceptable, they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This can be done online, or by requesting an application form.

Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate can be made until 5pm, six working days before the date of the poll.

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Support for disabled voters at polling stations

Support for disabled voters is available at polling stations, including:

• Braille voter assisted devices
• Large print information
• Wheelchair access
• Magnifying glasses
• Pencil grips

Please visit our Arrangements for disabled voters page for more information. Voters with mobility issues may also wish to consider a postal vote.