How to vote in the UK 2019 General Election
With the UK General Election just a few days away on 12 December, you might be wondering how to vote especially if its your first time. Below are the options available which include going to a polling station, voting by post, or by proxy (appointing someone else to vote for you).
Students who are registered in more than one area can only vote once in a general election so they need to think about where they will be and where they want to cast their vote.
Voting in person at a poll station
For the majority, voting involves visiting your local polling station. This is usually a local school, church or community centre. Check your polling card for the exact location which will have been posted to the address you used to when registering. Alternatively, check which polling station is nearest to you by visiting wheredoivote.co.uk
Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.
You do not need your polling card or ID to vote, you just need to give your name and address to staff inside your polling station.
Vote by Proxy
If you know that you will be unable to get to your polling station on Election Day, you can organise a proxy vote which means you can appoint someone else to vote on your behalf. This must be arranged in advance before 5pm on 4 December.
To appoint someone else to vote on your behalf, visit the Electroral Commission web page for the Proxy Vote application form.
Postal Votes – what to do
If you’ve previously registered to use the postal vote option then you should receive the relevant paperwork in the post within this week (2 to 6 December). Brighton and Hove Council send their last batch on 3 December. The deadline for registration and applying for a postal vote has now passed.
Postal votes must be returned by 10pm on 12 December. They can be returned in the post, in person at Hove Town Hall, or completed packs can be handed in to a polling station in your constituency.
Check out the Brighton and Hove City Council website for more info on postal votes.
Who can I vote for?
You can see the names and political parties for each constituency here:
Further information
For more information on voting and elections in your local area:
Robin Coleman • 3 December 2019
