General Election

The first step to having your say in the upcoming election is to ensure you're registered to vote. If you've moved house recently or can't remember the last time you registered, it's a good idea to check your status.

How to Register:

1. Online: The quickest and easiest way to register is online. Simply visit the UK Government's voter registration website and follow the instructions. You'll need your National Insurance number and a few personal details.
2. By Post: If you prefer, you can register by post. Download the registration form from the UK Government's voter registration website, fill it out, and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office. 

Remember, the deadline for registering to vote is 5pm Tuesday 18th June or 5pm Wednesday 19th June for postal votes, so don't leave it until the last minute!

For those who may find it difficult to get to a polling station on election day, voting by post is a convenient alternative. It's particularly useful for people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those who simply prefer the convenience of voting from home.

To apply for a Postal Vote you will need:

1. The address where you are registered to vote.
2. Your National Insurance number or other identity documents, for example a passport.
3. The specific date of the election or referendum you want to make a postal vote, if you only want a one-off postal vote.
4. To upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.

You can register for a postal vote online by visiting the UK Government’s postal vote registration website. You can also request a postal vote application form from your local Electoral Registration Office.

When you go to your local polling station to vote, you'll need to show photo ID. Any of the following are acceptable forms of photo ID:

• Passport (UK, EEA, or Commonwealth)
• Driving Licence (including provisional)
• Older Person's Bus Pass
• Disabled Person's Bus Pass
• Blue Badge
• Identity Card with a PASS Mark
• Biometric Immigration Document
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• National Identity Card issued by an EEA state

If you don't have any of these forms of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. It’s free to apply and you will need a recent digital photo of yourself as well as your National Insurance Number. This certificate is for voting purposes only.