The Electoral Register
Register to vote
If you are on the electoral register you will be sent a poll card just before an election. You can vote:
•In person
•By post
•By proxy
Postal voting
On 31 October 2023 the way you apply for a postal vote changed. You are now required to make separate applications to vote by post in both UK Parliament and Scottish Parliament and council elections. For UK Parliament Elections: the easiest way is to apply online at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. You are required to upload a clear […]
Voter ID
Voter ID and Anonymous Elector Documents The Elections Act 2022 has introduced a new requirement for voters to show photo identification before voting in person in a polling station. Voters in Scotland will need to show photo ID in some elections, namely UK General elections, UK Parliamentary by-elections, and recall petitions. BSL Guide to which […]
Proxy voting
The Elections Act 2022 has introduced several changes to voting and electoral processes. You will now need to provide your date of birth, National Insurance number and signature on your proxy application. Applications for a long-term proxy vote for overseas voters, Crown Servant & British Council employees or Members of the Armed Forces can be made […]
Emergency proxy voting
In some circumstances, an emergency proxy may be granted by the Electoral Registration Officer if you are unable to vote in person due to the following: In the case of a medical condition, illness or disability arising after the deadline for ordinary proxy applications Are a mental health patient detained under civil powers If your […]
Overseas Electors
Changes to voting in UK Parliament elections from overseas In 2022, the UK Parliament passed the Elections Act, which made several changes to the UK’s electoral system. These changes include the removal of the 15-year limit on the rights of eligible British citizens to vote in UK Parliament elections. Do you have friends or family […]
Electoral Register and Open Register
Electoral Registration Officers keep two registers using information received from the public:
•The Electoral Register
•The Open Register (previously known as the Edited Register)
Canvass 2026
Annual Canvass of Electors 2026 Further information will be published in due course.
