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.

There are different rules if you vote 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 Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament) 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.

  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