Help to vote
Election time may be the least of your worries but it’s important we all contribute, so here’s all the key details to help you each step of the way.
How do you register to vote?
The GOV.UK website has a clear and simple online form for registering to vote
Alternatively, the website also has paper forms to register to vote by post if you're living in the UK
These can be printed, completed and posted to the person’s local Electoral Registration Office
Here you can find more guidance on voter ID.
What else should I consider?
The photo on your ID must look like you. You can still use your ID even if it has expired.
The name on your ID must match your name on the electoral register. If it does not, you’ll need to either register to vote again with your new details or take a document with you to vote that proves you’ve changed your name (for example, a marriage certificate or deed poll).
Anyone voting on behalf of someone else will still need to take their own ID.
What if someone doesn’t have any suitable form of ID?
The GOV.UK website has a clear and simple online form to Apply for photo ID to vote This is known as a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’. They can only apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if they are registered to vote, or have applied to register to vote.
Alternatively, the website also has paper forms available to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by post if you’re living in the UK. These can be printed, completed and posted to the person’s local Electoral Registration Office
A different form is available to apply by post for a Voter Authority Certificate if you’re living abroad, in the armed forces, a Crown Servant or a British Council employee.
A Voter Authority Certificate is not required to vote by post or by proxy.
Help in applying for a Voter Authority Certificate is available from the Electoral Commission helpline on 0800 328 0280.
The Electoral Commission website has more details about applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.
What about postal and proxy votes?
Some people may prefer to vote by post or by proxy. These links provide further information on how to do so:
Electoral Commission: Ways to vote
If you have any additional needs with accessing any of this information, including no fixed address, we can support you to get your vote.