Frequently Asked Questions

 Not all properties are required to respond if there are no changes. If you have received a form with a reference 'canvass communication A' and you have no changes to make, you do not need to respond to the form.

If you have received a form with a reference 'canvass communication B or canvass form' then you are required to respond, even if there are no changes to make. Additionally, if you receive an email from ourselves, you must also respond to the email, even if there are no changes to make. Failure to respond will result in a reminder being sent.

If you are required to respond, below are the response methods:

• Online - This is the easiest way

• Phone -01453 766321
• Post - using the reply envelope included (for A3 forms with reference 'Canvass Form') or return to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB (for A4 letters with reference Canvass Communication A or B).

The law says that you are required to respond to any e-communication (email) and any form that advises you that a response is required.

Do not register only when you need a mortgage or finance – Due to prescribed processes and timings that we must observe by law it can take several weeks before your entry is visible to credit agencies.

The revised Register of Electors will be published by 1st December 2023 and you must respond no later than the 28 November 2023 to be included. If you do not register during the canvass, you can still apply to have your name added to the register. Applications to amend the register are dealt with each month, apart from September, October and November.

• by phoning 01453 766321
• If you are unable to use the automated response options, return the form in the post by either returning in the reply envelope included (for A3 forms with reference 'Canvass Form') or return to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB (for A4 letters with reference Canvass Communication A or B).

Please note: We will need to send a letter addressed to the person who has moved out to confirm that they will be removed from the register.

Unless you are sending your form back by post, you will need Part 1 and Part 2 of your security code for the automated services. You will find these printed on the front of the form.

Monthly registration updates are suspended from 1 October until 1 December whilst the canvass process is completed, meaning Credit Reference Agencies do not receive updates from us during these months.

• by phoning 01453 766321
• if you are unable to use the automated response options, return the form in the post by either returning in the reply envelope included (for A3 forms with reference 'Canvass Form') or return to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB (for A4 letters with reference Canvass Communication A or B).

Please note:

• If your name has changed, we will need to see a copy of your marriage certificate/ deed poll. You can scan this in and email it to us at elections@stroud.gov.uk or send us a copy in the post to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB.

• If someone’s details are added to the form, they will also be required to complete an invitation to register which can done by registering themselves at www.gov.uk/registertovote. If you have not done this within two weeks of returning your household canvass form we will email you a link to the online registration form. If you do not have access to the internet you will receive an individual registration form in the post. They will need to provide their date of birth and national insurance number.

To be eligible to register to vote in England a person must be:

• Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)
• A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.
• A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state.

It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for the form and checks whether they are registered.

Normally people are registered at one address - their permanent home address. Students may register at both their term-time address and non-term-time address. If you are living somewhere temporarily but have a permanent address elsewhere, you should register at the permanent address.

Having a second home doesn’t necessarily mean that you can register there as well as at your permanent address. A person’s name may appear on the electoral register only if they reside at an address within the electoral area. Residence is not defined in law; however, in England and Wales it has been held by the courts to entail a ‘considerable degree of permanence’.

However, it is unlikely that ownership of a second home that is used only for recreational purposes would meet the residency qualification. Ownership of a second home that a voter pays council tax on but is not resident in does not qualify them to be registered to vote in that area. It is for the local Electoral Registration Officer to decide in the light of an individual voter’s circumstances whether they may be said to be resident at an address, and therefore eligible for registration. Electoral Registration Officers are required to consider each case on its own merits.

Once you’re registered under the new system you don’t need to register again unless you change address or name. However you will receive a form called a household canvass form every year, even if you are already registered. The purpose of the form is to confirm who lives at your address. This means we can invite other residents, including any 16 and 17 year-olds, to register to vote if we need to.

Yes you can, but Overseas Electors need to complete a separate registration form. If you are/will be living overseas for longer than 6 months please register online at www.gov.uk/registertovote as an overseas elector. You can remain on the electoral register for 15 years from the date you were last registered. You will be entitled to vote in Parliamentary Elections and Referendums only and you will also need to set a postal or proxy vote. Please visit 'Register to Vote' to download an absent vote form.

Services Electors (Army, Royal Navy, RAF) can now register in either of two ways. They may register as a ordinary elector or they may register specifically as a service voter. If you wish to register as a service voter please contact electoral services to find out how to register. Please note that service voters only have to register once every five years.

Make sure you opt out of the Open register if you do not want your name to appear on this version of the register for the coming year. The council must make the Open register available for general sale and it can be used for any purpose. 

Everyone will be included in the Full register, which is used for voting purposes and supplied to the Credit Reference Agencies.

Please contact us on 01453 754886 if you need more information on opting out or, for serious cases, anonymous registration.

If you are over 76, please indicate this on your form or when you register online. Anyone over 76 is no longer eligible to perform Jury service and we have to supply this information to the Jury Summoning Service.

As soon as someone reaches their 18th birthday, they can vote in relevant elections from that day onwards, providing that they are on the Register of Electors. By putting those young people on the register with a date of birth, they will automatically become eligible to vote at the appropriate time, without having to make their own application to go on the register once they become 18.

Only people who are British, Irish, Commonwealth citizens or citizens of the European Union are eligible to go on the register. Depending on the type of election being contested, there are further restrictions on who is eligible to vote on the grounds of nationality - for example, European citizens cannot vote in UK Parliamentary Elections, but can vote in local elections.

Yes - If you are from a European Union or Commonwealth country then please state your nationality when you register (if you are unsure of your nationality, please list the nationality shown on your passport).

Even though you should tell the Electoral Registration Officer by law when you move house, some people forget to do so. By giving us your old address, we can check our records and make sure that your details have been removed from your old property.

We find it extremely useful to have either a contact telephone number or e-mail address for you. If we have a query during the canvass or in the run up to an election, we may need to contact you urgently and this helps us to do so.

We do not divulge these details to anyone else - they are purely for the use of the Electoral Services Office.

Think of it in the same way as having a car - you need to get your car insured and you also need to get it taxed. You need both things, but have to get them from two different places.

The Council Tax Office keeps records of the main householder who pays the bills, with perhaps a note of just their partner, husband or wife. The Electoral Registration Officer keeps a list of all eligible electors living at the property.

It is a legal requirement for you to inform the Electoral Registration Officer where you are living.

It's the law. We need to compile accurate records and this is our way of obtaining information from each householder.

If you are required to respond and we haven't been able to obtain a response from you by a certain date, we employ canvassers to go door knocking in some areas. It is their job to chase up any outstanding information.

Using information received from the public, registration officers keep two registers - the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.

Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote. You can change your opt-out preference at any time by making a request with your full name, address and an indication of whether you wish to be included in or omitted from the edited register. You can do this using the form above, emailing elections@stroud.gov.uk or over the phone by calling 01453 766321. We will also write to you to confirm any change.

Councillors are elected to represent a number of local residents in their electoral area. Councillors represent everyone in their area and not just those who voted for them, they have responsibilities to their ward, the Council and the community as a whole. You will be part of a public organisation which is working in partnership with other organisations across various services as well as improving service delivery and quality of life for local residents.

As a Councillor you will be expected to regularly attend Council meetings and be actively involved with your community. Councillors may also be chosen to represent the Council on Committees and outside bodies.

A District Councillor's role includes:

• Representing your local ward
• Advise residents of the Council services available
• Attend Parish/Town Council meetings as appropriate
• Help develop the Council's budget and agree the level of Council Tax
• Regularly attend training to ensure knowledge is kept up to date
• Decision making
• Policy and strategy review and development
• Regulatory duties
• Community leadership and engagement.

People become Councillors for a variety of reasons. Some want to give something back to the community, to further their interest in politics or to represent local people and try to influence decisions affecting their area.

No other role gives you a chance to make such a huge difference to the quality of life of people in your local area and influence the way issues are dealt with locally and across the Stroud District.

In addition to wanting to make a difference, people may become a Councillor for the following reasons:

• Having a concern about a specific issue and wanting to do something about it
• In a time of scarce resources, having good ideas for doing more with less
• To contribute business or professional skills
• As an extension to what you are already doing through a charity, voluntary group or school governing body
• It can be a career enhancing opportunity, allowing you to develop leadership and analytical skills.

You can be a Councillor for several Councils at the same time, such as a County Council, District Council and Parish/Town Council. You can also be a Councillor if you have a full time job and by law your employer must allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off during working hours to perform your duties as a Councillor.

You cannot stand for election as either a District or Parish/town Councillor if you already work for the Council, are subject to bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order, have a criminal conviction involving a prison sentence or suspended sentence of not less than 3 months in the last 5 years or have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

You do not need to belong to a political party to stand for election.

County/District Councillor

You can stand as a candidate to become a County/District Councillor if:

• You are over 18 or over on the day you submit your nomination paper and are a British, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen;

And at least one of the following qualifications:

• Are either a registered local government elector in the electoral area you are wanting to stand as a candidate, or
• Have resided in the area for the whole 12 months preceding the day of nominations, or
• Work in the electoral area you wanting to stand (and have for at least the past 12 months), or
• Own property in the electoral area you are wanting to stand (and have for at least the past 12 months).
  
  

Parish/Town Councillor

You can stand as a candidate to become a Parish/Town Councillor if:

• You are over 18 or over on the day you submit your nomination paper and are a British, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen

And at least one of the following qualifications:

• Are either a registered local government elector in the electoral area you are wanting to stand as a candidate, or
• Have resided in the area for the whole 12 months preceding the day of nominations, or
• Work in the electoral area you wanting to stand (and have for at least the past 12 months), or
• Own property in the electoral area you are wanting to stand (and have for at least the past 12 months), or
• For the whole of the previous 12 months you have lived in the Parish/Town or within 3 miles of the boundary.

There is no salary for being a Councillor, however, District Councillors currently receive a basic allowance which is intended to recognise the time devoted by them to their work and will cover basic resources. Further information can be found here.

In addition to the basic allowance above, District Councillors are able to claim travel expenses and in some cases subsistence expenses, an IT allowance and dependants' carers' allowance.

Some District Councillors also receive a special responsibility allowance in recognition of particular duties they undertake e.g. if they are the Leader of the Council or a Chair of a Committee.

Councillors are generally taxed and pay National Insurance on their allowances. Travelling expenses and other expenses incurred as part of a Councillors duties, including mileage and subsistence allowances are paid to levels agreed by the Council and are not taxable.

Parish and Town Councils may choose to provide an allowance to their Councillors, please contact the relevant Parish/Town Council if you would like information regarding any allowances paid.

As a District Councillor, to assist you in carrying out your duties you will be able to access advice from Democratic Services as well a range of officers at the Council.

District Councillors will be required to undertake ongoing member development training throughout their term as a Councillor. Councillors may also request permission to attend external training seminars and conferences which the Council may be able to fund. 

Comprehensive Member Induction Training is also provided to all District Councillors which covers numerous topics and include some of the following:

• Council Finance
• GDPR and Data Protection
• Introduction to Planning
• Chair and Public Speaking
• Code of Conduct
• Licensing
• Introduction to Housing and Development

Stroud District Council recognises and values the diversity of the local community and believe that equality is central to the provision of modern quality services. Ideally the membership of the Council should reflect the diversity of the population in the District, with a wide range of backgrounds, interests and all needs represented. We would welcome conversations with anyone who is thinking of standing as a Councillor who may need additional support or reasonable adjustments so that we can help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to stand for election and undertake the role of Councillor. For further information about support available please contact democratic.services@stroud.gov.uk or phone us on 01453 766321.

How much time you spend on your duties as a Councillor is largely up to you and will depend on the particular commitments you take on.

Each Councillor will spend varying amounts of time on their Councillor work, however generally a District Councillor will spend up to 25 hours a week on Council work.

Members with Group Leader or Chairing roles will have greater workload and therefore will invariably spend additional hours on their Council work.

As a District Councillor you will be expected to attend Committee meetings, information briefings and training sessions which are often held during the evening, however there may be meetings with Officers that you are required to attend during the day. As with most things in life, what you get back will depend on how much you put in.

Before you consider becoming a Councillor, you may wish to discuss it with your family and friends to make sure they understand the commitment you are taking on.

Information about the nominations process and template nomination forms for the election on 2 May 2024 will be updated in due course.

Elections are held for District and Parish/Town Councillors every four years where all seats will be re-elected at the same time. The next local elections in Stroud are taking place in May 2024.

To stand as a candidate, you will need to complete a set of nomination papers for the electoral area you are wanting to represent. These will be available from your local Parish/Town Council or from Stroud District Council's Offices in February 2024. The Democratic Services and Elections Office will be able to answer any questions you may have in relation to the nomination process as will the Parish/Town Clerk.

When you complete your nomination papers, you will need to show that you have been formally nominated by a particular number of registered electors in the electoral area you are wishing to stand. These are as follows:

• District Elections - A proposer and seconder who support your nomination in the District ward you are wanting to represent.
• Parish/Town Elections - A proposer and seconder who support your nomination in the Parish/Town or Parish Ward (if the Parish/Town is warded) you are wanting to represent.

If you are thinking of standing as a candidate on behalf of a political party, you must contact the local branch of that party first, as they may be in the process of selecting candidates for future elections. You will also need to have consent from the party to stand on their behalf and obtain a signature from the nominating officer.

You do not need to stand on behalf of a political party to be a District or Parish/Town Councillor. If you want to stand independently as a District Councillor, you must use the description 'Independent' on your nomination form.

Further guidance for candidates standing as an Independent or on behalf of a political party can be found on the Electoral Commission website at both District and Parish/Town level.

You do not need to be part of a Political Party in order to stand for election. You could stand as an Independent Councillor find out more about either option below:

To stand for a political party, you’ll need to be a member of the party, get involved locally and go through their selection process to be put forward as their candidate for election. Depending on which party you are interested in, this can take up to about a year, so please contact your political party as soon as you can to start getting involved.

If you are interested in becoming an independent candidate (not in a political party), you can get resources and advice from the Local Government Association’s Independent Office.

A Community Governance Review is a way for district councils to make sure that, at parish level, governance arrangements are working as efficiently and effectively as they should be. This is achieved by asking the public, parish councils and any interested parties whether they feel their communities are suitably represented and whether parish councils would like to see any changes made to their current governance arrangements.

We have the power to undertake such reviews under Part 4 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and the relevant national guidance document.

The Council is required to consult with local government electors living in the Stroud District as well as any other individuals and organisations (including local authorities such as parish councils) who 'appear to have an interest in the review'.

The Council must take into account all representations that it receives during the review's periods of consultation and will make all representations available for public viewing.

A Community Governance Review can make a number of changes to parish councils when there is clear evidence to do so:

• Creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes;
• Change electoral arrangements for parishes including the ordinary year of an election, number of parish councillors and changes to parish wards;
• Convert a parish council to a parish meeting;
• Change the name or the style of a new parish/town council or parish meeting; and
• Group parishes together under a common parish.

• Change the number of district or county councillors;
• Change a district or county council ward boundaries;
• Change the amount of money that a parish council raises through your council tax (known as ‘precept’);
• Change individual parish councillors; and
• Create a unitary authority

Parish councils are the most local form of government. They collect money from Council Tax payers (via the district council) known as a "precept" and this is used to invest in the area to improve services or facilities. Parish councils can take different forms but usually are made up of local people who stand for election as parish councillors to represent their area. They can be the voice of the local community and work with other tiers of government and external organisations to co-ordinate and deliver services and work to improve the quality of life in the area.

It may best be considered as a working alliance of parishes that have come together under a common parish council, with the electors of each of the grouped parishes electing a designated number of councillors to the council. It has been found to be an effective way of ensuring parish government for small parishes that might otherwise be unviable as separate units, while otherwise guaranteeing their separate community identity.

The council recognises that the grouping of parishes needs to be compatible with the retention of community interests and notes the government's guidance that "it would be inappropriate for it to be used to build artificially large units under single parish councils." A grouping order is permitted under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Parishes or towns can be divided into wards for the purpose of electing councillors. Again, this could depend upon the size and make up of a proposed council. The government guidance requires that consideration be given to the number of and distribution of local government electors which could make a single election of councillors impractical or inconvenient or it may be desirable for areas within the town or parish to be separately represented.

The government's guidance is that "the warding of parishes in largely rural areas that are based predominantly on a single centrally-located village may not be justified. Conversely, warding may be appropriate where the parish encompasses a number of villages with separate identities, a village with a large rural hinterland or where, on the edges of towns, there has been some urban overspill into the parish."

The review will be completed when the council adopts a Reorganisation of Community Governance Order. The Order will specify when it will take effect for financial and administrative purposes and when the electoral arrangements for a new or existing parish council will come into force.

Copies of this Order, the map(s) that show the effects of the order in detail and the document(s) which set out the reasons for the decisions that the council has taken (including where it has decided to make no change following a review), will be deposited at the council's offices and website.

In accordance with the guidance issued by the government, the council will issue maps to illustrate each recommendation at a scale that will not normally be smaller than 1:10,000. These maps will be deposited with the Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government and at the council’s offices. Prints will also be supplied, in accordance with the regulations, to Ordnance Survey, the Registrar General, the Land Registry, the Valuation Office Agency, the Boundary Commission for England and the Electoral Commission.

An important part of our review will comprise giving consideration to electoral arrangements. The term covers the way in which a council is constituted for the parish. It covers:

• The ordinary year in which elections are held;
• The number of councillors to be elected to the council;
• The division (or not) of the parish into wards for the purpose of electing councillors;
• The number and boundaries of any such wards;
• The number of councillors to be elected for any such ward; and
• The name of any such ward. The government's guidance is that "each area should be considered on its own merits, having regard to its population, geography and the pattern of communities," and therefore the council is prepared to pay particular attention to existing levels of representation, the broad pattern of existing council sizes which have stood the test of time and the take-up of seats at elections in its consideration of this matter. The Aston Business School found the following levels of representation to the good running of a council:
• Parishes wishing to increase numbers must give strong reasons for doing so. The number of parish or town councillors for each council must be not less than five but can be greater. However, each parish grouped under a common parish council must have at least one parish councillor.

The National Association of Local Councils provides the following guidance regarding the number of Parish/Town Councillors:

Research by the Aston Business School Parish and Town Councils in England (HMSO, 1992), found that the typical parish council sizes were as follows:

Prior to every election polling cards are sent to all registered electors containing details of how to vote, where and when to vote.

You can also find the location of your polling station by entering your postcode on the following webpage: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/my-house

If you have lost your poll card, just go to your polling station with your photographic ID and tell the staff inside your full name, address and present your ID and you will be able to vote.

For further information on voter ID and which photographic ID is acceptable please click here.

You currently do not need to show ID to vote however this will change from May 2023, click here for more information. You will need to give the polling staff your full name and address. They will then mark against your name in the register and provide you with your ballot paper(s).

From 4 May 2023 you will be required to take photo ID to the polling station and therefore residents of Painswick and Upton will need to take an acceptable form of ID to the polling station on 17 May 2023. For the full list of acceptable ID please click here. - RE LINK!

Polling Stations are open on the day of poll from 7am-10pm.

If you cannot get to the polling station you can apply for a postal or proxy vote, subject to submitting an application form before the deadlines.

Deadline to apply for a postal vote - 11 working days before date of Poll

Deadline to apply for a proxy vote - 6 working days before date of Poll

•  View voting by post and proxy  

Emergency Proxy

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy, to allow someone you trust to vote on your behalf at your polling station. This must be due to reasons that you weren't aware of before the Proxy Voting deadline (6 working days before the day of Poll).

You may be able to request an emergency proxy if one of the following applies:

- You have a medical emergency

- You are away for work

Please download and complete the relevant application form from the links above and return to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud, GL5 4UB or send a clear scan or photo of the completed form by email to elections@stroud.gov.uk. The completed application form needs to be returned by 5pm on the day of Poll.

You can deliver your postal vote pack (with ballot paper) to your local polling station (within your electoral ward) during polling hours (7am to 10pm).

You can also return it to the Council Offices (Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB) during the run up to polling day but be sure you do this before 10pm on the day of Poll. Postal votes received after 10pm will not be counted.

You must put your request to cancel in writing by no later than 11 working days before the day of Poll otherwise you will still be issued a postal voting pack. If you have signed up for a postal voting pack, you will not be able to be issued a ballot paper at your local polling station.

Please email elections@stroud.gov.uk or send a letter to the following address:

Electoral Services

Stroud District Council

Ebley Mill

Ebley Wharf

Stroud

GL5 4UB

Any amendments to your postal vote must be made by 5pm on the postal vote deadline (11 working days before the day of Poll). If you have any queries, please contact elections@stroud.gov.uk or call 01453 754886

A postal vote can be sent to your home address or to any other address that you give. Postal Votes can be sent overseas, but you need to consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return your ballot paper by election day. In some instances a Proxy vote may be more appropriate for overseas voters where voters do not wish to rely on Overseas air mailing services.

To vote in elections and referendums you have to be 18 or over. You must also be a British, British Overseas Territory, Irish or Commonwealth citizen. Your name must also be on the Electoral Register, otherwise even if you meet the above criteria you will not be able to vote. If you would like to check if you are on the electoral register please complete this form.

You can apply to vote by proxy for emergency medical reasons up until 5pm on election day.

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy, to allow someone you trust to vote on your behalf at your polling station. This must be due to reasons that you weren't aware of before the proxy vote deadline (5pm, 6 working days before the day of Poll).

You may be able to request an emergency proxy if one of the following applies:

- You have a medical emergency

Please download and complete the relevant application form from the links above and return to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud, GL5 4UB or send a clear scan or photo of the completed form by email to elections@stroud.gov.uk. The completed application form needs to be returned by 5pm on the day of Poll.

You can apply for an emergency proxy, your request for an emergency proxy must be due to reasons that you weren't aware of before proxy vote deadline (5pm, 6 working days before the day of Poll). You will need to obtain a form from us which will need to be countersigned by your employer, there are also provisions for anyone who is self-employed.

- Emergency Proxy application form - work 

Please download and complete the relevant application form from the links above and return to Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud, GL5 4UB or send a clear scan or photo of the completed form by email to elections@stroud.gov.uk. The completed application form needs to be returned by 5pm on the day of Poll.

In the lead up to an election, the details of the candidates will be shown on the Notice of Poll, which will be displayed on the election page on the website. Information regarding the candidates is the responsibility of the individuals or parties concerned, so if you have not heard anything you would need to contact them. Electoral Services are not able to provide any information on the candidates.

>5.1.1 What photographic ID will be accepted in polling stations?

>5.1.2 What if I don't have an acceptable form of ID?

>5.1.3 Why has voter identification been introduced into polling stations?

>5.1.4 Will photocopies of identification documents or pictures on mobile phones of identification documents be accepted?

>5.1.5 What happens if I cannot provide acceptable photographic ID at the polling station?

>5.1.6 Will expired identification accepted?

>5.1.7 What are the photograph requirements when submitting an application for a Voter Authority Certificate?

>5.1.8 My name on the electoral register and my photographic ID are different, what do I do?

>5.1.9 What is the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?

>5.1.10 Can the Voter Authority Certificate be used as proof of age/identity outside of the polling station?

>5.1.11 What happens if I have lost my photographic ID or Voter Authority Certificate?

>5.1.12 I have a proxy/emergency proxy in place, does my proxy have to bring photographic ID to vote on my behalf?

>5.1.13 Do I need to show photographic ID to hand in a postal vote?

>5.1.14 What will the Voter Authority Certificate look like?

>5.1.15 How long will my Voter Authority Certificate be valid for?

>5.1.16 I have applied for my Voter Authority Certificate however I have not received it yet, what do I do?

>5.1.17 Do I need to reapply for my Voter Authority Certificate/Anonymous Elector Document if I change address?

>5.1.18 I am an anonymous elector, do I need to provide photographic ID?

>5.1.19 Will my poll card change?

>5.1.20 What will happen in the polling station?

>5.1.21 Can I still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if I already have an acceptable form of ID?

>5.1.22 I don't want to provide photographic identification in the polling station, what do I do?

If you do not want to show photographic identification at the polling station, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. Photographic identification is not required to apply for a postal or proxy vote, however if you choose to set up a proxy, your proxy will be required to show their photographic identification at the polling station.

Please see below for the different ways to vote and the FAQ's that accompany them. 

>5.2.1 Voting in person

>5.2.2 Voting by post

>5.2.3 Voting by proxy

What if I need assistance at the polling station?

If you are disabled, you can ask for help and the Presiding Officer can mark the ballot paper for you. You can also ask someone else to help you (e.g. a support worker, as long as they are either a relative or an eligible elector and have not already helped more than one other person vote).

Anyone over the age of 18 can act as a companion to assist you in the polling station. Any companion will be required to complete a declaration by companion to confirm they have assisted an elector in the polling station/voting booth.

If you have a visual impairment, you can ask to see a large print ballot paper or you can ask for a special voting device that allows you to vote on your own in secret.

How to use a Tactile Voting Device

This Tactile Voting Device is a device that can be attached to a ballot paper to align the numbers on the numbered flaps with each voting box in line of each candidates. 

A companion or the Presiding Officer at the polling station would read out the name and descriptions of each candidate in the order they appear on the ballot paper advising what number on the numbered flaps they align with. 

When the elector is ready to cast their vote, they will lift the relevant numbered flap(s) to reveal the box on the ballot paper where they would then make their mark(s) on their ballot paper(s). The Tactile Voting Device is then removed from the ballot paper and the elector can proceed with placing their ballot paper(s) into the ballot box.

For more information about voting with a disability click here.