How to vote

Your name must be included in the register of electors to be able to vote.

Voting in person at a polling station

Poll cards are despatched at least 15 days before an election telling you where and when to vote. The poll card is for information only – you can still vote without it if you lose it or forget to take it with you to the polling station.

Staff at the polling station will check to ensure your name is included in the Register of Electors. You will then be issued with your ballot paper. Go to one of the polling booths. Read the instructions in the booth and mark your ballot paper.

If by mistake you spoil a ballot paper show it to the presiding officer and ask for another ballot paper.

Fold the ballot paper in half and put them in the ballot box.

If you are unable to get to the polling station you can apply for an absent vote (postal vote or proxy vote).

Voting by Post

If you wish you can choose to vote by post rather than going along to the polling station. You can apply for a postal vote for a specific election, a specified period or for an indefinite period. If you wish to apply for a postal vote, download this Postal Vote Application form and return to our office. During an election period postal vote applications must be received in this office by 5.00 p.m. eleven days before the day of election.

Postal ballot papers are sent out approximately 10 days before the election day.

Voting by Proxy 

(appointing someone to vote on your behalf)

You may be entitled to a proxy vote if

you suffer from a physical incapacity
you are unable to get to the polling station due to employment reasons
you are attending an educational course
you are unable to get to the polling station on a particular election day

If your application to vote by proxy is approved your proxy will receive “a proxy poll card” allowing him/her to attend the polling station to vote on your behalf.

During and election period Proxy vote applications must be received in this office by 5pm eleven days before the election day. However if you have a medical emergency after this day please contact Electoral Services immediately.

Proxy Application