Overview

There are different types of UK elections. The most common ones are:

A vote on a single issue is called a referendum. Read more about referendums.

Different elections and referendums in the UK have different rules about who can vote. This means that not everyone can vote in every situation.

Eligibility

Whether you can vote in an election or referendum will depend on:

  • your age
  • your nationality
  • where you live
  • whether you’ve registered to vote
  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

  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

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post
  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else