Types of election, referendums, and who can vote

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Referendums

A referendum is a vote on a single issue. You usually make one choice between 2 options. 

Each referendum has different rules on who can vote in it. 

Referendums can be:

  • national, where people across the whole of the UK can vote

  • regional, where only people in a certain part of the UK can vote - for example, Wales or North East England

  • local, held by local councils for people in their area

In a referendum, votes are usually counted for the whole of an area, not by constituency.

Local referendums

A local referendum can be held by a local council to make a decision on an issue affecting their area. For example, whether the local council should increase council tax. 

Contact your local council to check the rules on who can vote in a local referendum they’re holding.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Vote in UK elections

  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

    1. Check which elections you can vote in

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You need to register to vote in elections and referendums. You need to register again if you have changed your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote online
    1. Register to vote using a paper form

  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote

  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact your local electoral registration office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact the local electoral registration office

  5. or Apply for a postal vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    You must apply no later than 5pm, 11 working days before the election.

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland

  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day.

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland

  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the local electoral registration office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the local electoral registration office

  8. Step 5 Vote in person

    1. Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post

  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else

    1. Vote as a proxy for someone else