Polling stations

Latest updates to voting at a polling station

  • Remember, you'll need photo ID to vote at a polling station. Photo ID accepted at polling stations
  • If you are registered as a postal voter and wish instead to vote in person, you will need to cancel your postal vote before you can vote in person at a polling station.

Polling stations are open 7am–10pm on election days. 

Everyone who is registered to vote has the right to vote.

Find your polling station

You should receive a poll card about 2 weeks before election day. This poll card will give you details of your polling station. If you do not receive your card or have lost it and are unsure of where to go to vote, please contact our Elections Team.

Enter your postcode to find your polling station

Lost your poll card?

You can still vote if you've lost your poll card. The poll card is just information for you.

Go to your polling station and give your name and address to the polling station staff. 

What to do when you visit a polling station

Here's what to do if you're visiting a polling station to cast your vote.

It may be useful to take your poll card with you when you go to vote but you do not need it.

To vote at a polling station:

  1. Go to the polling station, and remember to take an acceptable form of photo ID. If you have a disability you can be assisted by anyone over the age of 18 inside the polling station to help you vote. Staff at the polling station are there to help, and all staff receive training on how to check photo ID sensitively. Staff will not be checking the gender marker, address or nationality on your photo ID.
  2. Go to the desk and tell the staff your name and address so they can find you on the electoral register.
  3. If your ID is acceptable, they will give you your ballot paper. If you don’t have anyone with you and you need help filling in your ballot paper the Presiding Officer can help you. The Presiding Officer is the person in charge of the polling station. Access and support for disabled people.
  4. Take your ballot paper to a voting booth.
  5. Read the instructions in the booth and mark your ballot paper.
  6. When you have marked your ballot paper, fold it so that nobody can see how you have voted.
  7. Put your folded ballot paper into the ballot box. 

Privacy at polling stations

A private area will be available so that you can choose to have your photo ID checked in private if you like. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen.

You can request that a female member of staff checks your photo ID. This request will be granted if possible.

If you wear a face covering such as a veil, there should be a mirror available to allow you to replace it immediately once your photo ID has been checked.

If you wear a face covering for medical reasons and would prefer not to remove it indoors, polling station staff may be able to check your photo ID outside. If you have any concerns you can contact our Elections Team using the contact details on this page.

Dogs in polling stations

If you're taking your dog to a polling station, please remember:

  • Only service animals are allowed inside the polling stations.
  • For their safety, please make sure your furry friends aren't left alone at any time.
  • Always ask a dog's owner if you can say hello before approaching them. 

Protect your vote

It's illegal for anyone to influence you to vote against your will.

Watch the video below to see the many different forms voter fraud can take.