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How to vote

It is an individuals responsibility to register to vote. Here, you can find out how to register to vote online and how to vote in person, by post, or by proxy. 

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. To find out more go to voter ID and accessibility at polling stations.

Register to vote online

You can register to vote online. You can also use this process to update your name, address, or nationality by registering with your new details. You will need to have your National Insurance number to hand:

Gov.uk - Register to vote

Voting in person

Just before an election you will be sent a polling card. This card will tell you the address of your polling station. The polling card will also have your elector number, name, address, the date of the election, and the hours of polling.

On election day you can take the card with you to the polling station. This will assist the staff to find your details on the register. If you have lost your polling card, you can still vote as long as your name is on the register of electors.

When they have found your details they will give you a ballot paper which you will mark in secret in the polling booth. Once you have put your mark on the paper you should fold it in two and place it in the ballot box.

Voting by post

Before the election, you will be sent a polling card with your postal voting arrangement and the dates you should expect the delivery of your ballot paper postal pack.

When your ballot paper postal pack has arrived it will contain your ballot paper, a ballot paper envelope, a postal voting statement, and a return envelope.

Once you have marked your ballot paper in secret and sealed it up in the ballot paper envelope you must complete the security statement by entering your date of birth and signature on the statement. Both the security statement and ballot paper envelope containing your ballot paper should be placed inside the return envelope. Make sure the Wyre Council address shows through the envelope window. You then need to seal the envelope and post it back.

Please ensure that the statement is completed with your signature and correct date of birth. Failure to do this will make your vote invalid.

Please note: your application form must arrive at your electoral registration office at least 11 working days before the election.

Apply to vote by post

You can now apply to vote by post online, its quick and easy, and takes about 5 minutes. You will  need to have your National Insurance number to hand:

Apply to vote by post

Once the application has been validated and your name added on to the list of postal voters you will be sent a letter of confirmation.

You can apply for a postal vote for an indefinite or temporary period, and you can specify which elections you would like a postal vote for.

Please note: if you change your  name or address you will have to apply again for a postal vote.

Voting by proxy

If you are unable to attend the polling station, or you do not wish to have a postal vote, you may wish to apply for a proxy vote. This means that you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf.

You must have a reason for applying to vote by proxy, such as working away, studying at university, or being housebound. On the application form you must state why you cannot attend your polling station in person and who you wish to appoint as your proxy. If you wish to apply for an indefinite proxy, you will also need to get someone to attest your form. This can be an employer, lecturer, or medical professional. Once you have completed an application form your details will be entered onto a list of proxy voters and an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you and your proxy.

If you are going away on holiday, or you will not be at home on election day, you can appoint a proxy for that election. This does not need to be attested but you must give a reason.

If you are suddenly taken ill you can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day. This will have to be attested by a medical professional.

The person appointed to be your proxy will be sent a letter which they will take to the polling station to vote on your behalf. 

You can now apply to vote by proxy online, its quick and easy, and takes about 5 minutes. You will  need to have your National Insurance number to hand:

Apply to vote by proxy

The following types of applications can be made online:

  • Proxy applications for a specific election or referendum
  • Proxy applications for overseas and service electors

For any other types of proxy applications, please e-mail electoral.services@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887236.

If you have an existing proxy vote in place will expire on 31 Jan 2024 and a new application must be made to continue the proxy arrangement. You can only be a proxy voter for up to 2 domestic electors. For the full rules on proxy and postal voting please visit the government website

If you are unable to go online to apply to go on the register, vote by post or appoint a proxy please e-mail electoral.services@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887236.

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