4.6 Key election deadlines

There are several important deadlines in the lead-up to an election. These ensure that people are registered and have the chance to vote in the way that works best for them.

• Registering to vote – You must submit your registration by midnight, 12 working days before election day so your name appears on the register.
• Voting by post – Apply for a postal vote by 5pm, 11 days before the election; you’ll receive your ballot in advance and return it by post.
• Voting by proxy – Apply by 5pm, 6 days before the election if you want someone else to vote for you.
• Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate – If you need photo ID to vote in person but don’t have one, apply by 5 pm, 6 working days before election day.
• Polling day – Polling stations are open from 7 am to 10 pm.

These deadlines apply to most elections in England, Scotland and Wales. Some elections in Northern Ireland or for specific offices may have slightly different rules. 

For each election, it’s always a good idea to check the latest information at electoralcommission.org.uk.

Examples of when deadlines might differ:  

• Northern Ireland requires a 14-working-day deadline for proxy applications, compared to 6 days in Great Britain.
• For devolved elections (Scottish Parliament, Senedd), certain online postal vote services aren’t available, meaning paper deadlines apply. 
• Overseas voters and special elections (like Police & Crime Commissioners) may have separate timelines.