How Do I Vote?

 

If your name is on the Voters' List (Register of Electors), and you are aged 18 or over, you should receive a poll card before an election through the post.

 

This will tell you how, when and where to vote, (usually at a local school or community hall). "Polling" is another word for voting.

 

This card is for information only. Don't worry if you lose it or forget it - you can still vote without it. It is easier if you take it to the polling station and show it to the staff there.

 

Staff will mark your name off the Voters' List and give you a ballot paper stamped with an official mark.  If more than one election is taking place on the same date, you will receive a ballot paper for each election you are entitled to vote at.

Go into one of the polling booths with the ballot paper(s).  Put a cross 'X' next to your choice of candidate or party (some elections allows you to make several choices, this will be shown on the ballot paper).

DO NOT write anything else on your ballot paper(s) otherwise your vote may be rejected. Once you have voted you must fold the ballot paper(s), show your folded ballot paper(s) to the staff before putting it into the sealed ballot box. You are not obliged to tell anyone how you voted.

Alternatively if you are unable to attend your allocated polling station on election day, you can choose to vote by post or by proxy.  There is a deadline for completed forms to be received by the Electoral Registration Officer to be affective for a particular election.

 

Postal Voting - To vote by post you need to complete a Postal Voting Form, go here for more information and to download the form.

 

Proxy Voting - To vote by proxy (where another person goes to the polling station to vote on your behalf).  You need to complete a Proxy Voting Form, go here for more information and to download the form.

 

 

Updated: Electoral Team (ESO) 22.08.11