Vote in UK elections

Find out how voting works in the UK. Check if you can vote, register to vote, and find out how to vote in person, by post or by proxy.

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:

   • apply online for a postal vote
   • apply by post for a postal vote

   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:

   • apply online for a proxy vote
   • apply by post for a proxy vote

   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