Overview

You need to be registered to vote before you can vote in UK elections or referendums.

You need to show photo ID when voting in person in some elections and referendums in England, Scotland and Wales. Check what types of ID you can use before you go to vote. You do not need to show photo ID if you’re voting in Northern Ireland.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Ways of voting

You can vote:

You cannot vote online in any elections.

Eligibility to vote

You can vote when you’re:

  • 18 years old in England and Northern Ireland
  • 16 years old in Scottish Parliament and local elections (and other elections when you’re 18)
  • 16 years old in Welsh Parliament (Senedd) and local elections (and other elections when you’re 18)

Elections you can vote in

There are different rules on who can vote in different elections and referendums.