4.2 Different ways to vote: voting in person

The most common way to vote in the UK is in person at your local polling station on election day. 

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm, giving you plenty of time to fit it around your day.

You’ll receive a poll card in the post before the election, this will tell you where your polling station is. You don’t need to take the card with you to vote, but it’s helpful to have.

Your poll card will look something like this:

For UK general elections, and all other elections in England and Northern Ireland, you will need to bring a photo ID. For a full list of voter ID requirements please visit here. You will find out more about photo ID later in this training.

You can only vote at your polling station, so it can be helpful to check where it is in advance, which you can do using a polling station finder. Some polling stations can have queues, so make sure you leave enough time.

What happens in the polling station

• In the polling station, a member of staff will then look you up on their lists to check you are registered. 
• You will then be asked to show your ID, if your ID is valid you will be invited to vote.  
• You will be handed a ballot paper. 
• You will then go into a booth where you can use a pencil to cast your vote. 
• Depending on the voting system, you will then put a cross in the relevant box or boxes. 
• Once you have voted, you place your completed ballot in the ballot box.

What you can’t do at the polling station

• No selfies or photos inside the polling booth – your vote must stay secret.
• No party slogans, rosettes or badges – polling stations have to remain politically neutral.
• No campaigning or political discussions near the ballot boxes.
• No showing your marked ballot to anyone (it’s an offence).
• No disruptive behaviour or loud devices – staff can ask you to leave if you disturb other voters.

What you can do at the polling station

• Bring someone for moral support – the only part you must do on your own is casting your ballot in the polling booth. This is to make sure no one is influencing your choice, and your ballot is secret. If you are a disabled voter, a companion can support you to mark your ballot in the polling booth if you require. 
• Ask staff for help if you’re unsure about the process or need accessibility assistance.
• Use your own pen or pencil if you prefer – the ones provided aren’t mandatory.
• Request a tactile voting device or large-print ballot if you have sight impairments.
• Take your child or pet with you.