In the UK, there are three different ways you can vote:
Most people vote in person at a polling station.
However, if you are not able to go to the polling station in person on election day, you can apply to vote by post or proxy (where someone votes on your behalf).
Poll cards will be sent out in advance of an election.
Each member of your household who is registered, and can vote in that particular election, should receive a poll card which states:
Contact us if haven't received a poll card before an election, but think you're registered to vote.
You do not need to take the poll card with you to be able to vote.
You can vote at your polling station anytime between 7am to 10pm. This is the same for all elections.
When you arrive at the polling station, you will be asked for your name and address. Staff will check you are on the register, check your photo ID and then give you ballot papers.
Take your ballot papers to a voting booth. Make sure you read the guidance for voters so you know how to mark your ballot.
Once you have finished marking your ballot paper, fold and put in the ballot box.
If you’re registered to vote, you can apply for a postal vote:
You can apply to vote by post at any time via a new central government online system.
You must provide your national insurance number whether you are applying to vote by post or by proxy, whether this is an online or paper application. This is due to a change in electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying for an absent vote.
For security reasons, all applications for a postal vote must include your signature and date of birth. If you don't provide these details, your application will not be accepted.
You will be asked to provide your signature and date of birth again on your ballot paper. This is so we can check it’s you that’s voted and no one else.
We may grant a waiver from providing a signature if you’re unable to:
However, you will still be required to give your date of birth.
If you spoil or lose your ballot paper, you can get a replacement up to 5pm on the day of an election but we will require ID to issue this.
If you feel you have spoiled your ballot paper, please contact the electoral services team to discuss.
If you want to cancel your postal vote we need a signed request in writing to authorise us to do this. Please complete the Absent Vote Cancellation Request Form (docx, 168.6kb) and return by:
email: electoral.services@brent.gov.uk
Post: Electoral Services, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ.
If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.
You must provide your national insurance number whether you are applying to vote by proxy or by post, whether this is an online or paper application. This is due to a change in electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying for an absent vote.
You can normally only arrange a proxy for a specific election although exceptions can be made for occupational and health reasons:
If this is the case – please contact electoral.services@brent.gov.uk
Anyone can be your proxy as long as they’re:
You can only appoint two domestic or up to four overseas, or a mix of the two as long as there are no more than two domestic. The ‘close relatives’ policy no longer applies.
Your proxy will be sent a poll card and on election day they will need to attend the polling station on your behalf unless they have chosen to vote for you by post.
If you want to change who acts as your proxy, just make a new proxy application.
If you become aware of a medical or employment emergency after the deadline for applying for a proxy vote which means you cannot go to the polling station in person, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy up to 5pm on polling day.
Contact us for more information about voting by emergency proxy.
If your proxy cannot attend your polling station in person for any reason on the day of the election, they can apply to vote by post.
To apply for a postal proxy, both the proxy and the elector will need to complete a form. Please note that if your proxy has been allocated a postal proxy you will not be able to vote at the polling station, even if your proxy has not yet voted.
You can request a copy of the appropriate application by emailing: electoral.services@brent.gov.uk
If you want to cancel your proxy vote we need a signed request in writing to authorise us to do this. Please complete the Absent Vote Cancellation Request Form (.docx, 168.6kB) and return by:
Address:
Electoral Services,
Brent Civic Centre,
Engineers Way,
Wembley HA9 0FJ.