Beginner’s guide to voting

I’ve never voted before?

• That’s totally fine – everyone has a first time, and no experience is required! Polling station staff are there to help if you’re unsure what to do. You don’t have to tell them who you’re voting for, and there’s no ‘wrong’ way to turn up and have your say (as long as you follow the simple steps).  

I don’t know who to vote for?

• You don’t have to decide straight away. Before you go to vote, find out who is standing for election in your area. This information will be available on our website a few weeks before polling day. Read about the parties, candidates and what they stand for. Think about the issues you care about most. There's no test or perfect answer – choose the person or party you believe will do the best job for you and your community.

I’m non-binary and worried about my photo ID?

• That’s OK. Your photo ID does need to match your official voter registration details. It doesn’t have to match how you look exactly now, if polling staff can recognise you. If you don’t have ID that feels right for you, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate that doesn’t show a gender marker.

I’m away at university?

• You can still vote! You can either register at your university address and vote there or stay registered at your home address and apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote. You can only vote once in the same election – but you can choose where you vote from. 

I don’t have a fixed address?

You can still register to vote. If you’re staying somewhere temporarily, living in supported accommodation or have no fixed home, you can fill out a 'declaration of local connection'. It sounds complicated, but it’s just a form that says where you usually live or spend most of your time.