Register to vote  

You can only vote in elections if your name is on the register of electors - Register to vote

The following people are allowed to vote if they are over eighteen years of age:

• All British, Commonwealth and Irish citizens
• European Union citizens (allowed to vote in local elections only)
• Overseas electors (allowed to vote in parliamentary elections only)
• Members of HM Forces and their spouses (if they qualify)
• Crown servants employed outside the United Kingdom

Polling stations

You vote in person at a polling station:

• Polling stations

Voter identification

From 4 May 2023, you will be required to show photographic identification at polling stations before you are given a ballot paper.

• Voter identification

Postal voting and proxy voting 

If you are unable to go to your polling station on election day and if you are a registered elector, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. A proxy is someone who votes on your behalf. Visit the following pages for more information.

• Postal voting
• Proxy voting

EU Citizens and Candidacy rights 

From May 2024, some EU citizens will not be able to vote and stand as a candidate in certain elections in England.

• EU Citizens and Candidacy rights 

Overseas Electors – Votes for life 

From January 2024, there will be changes for British citizens living overseas. There will no longer be a 15-year limit on voting rights, and the registration period will change.

• Overseas Electors 

Accessibility Resources

• BSL: Deciding the best way to vote 
• Your Easy Read Guide to Voting in the 2024 General Election
• Easy Read guides on registering to vote, deciding how you want to vote, applying for voter ID, and voting (Opens in new window)
• Local Election Practice Ballot Paper: Easy Read Guide (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window)