Find resources and additional information for the upcoming elections below.
It is vital that your voice is heard in the upcoming election!
We have compiled a variety of resources about how to vote and what you can expect when you vote.
You can find out if there is an election in your area from the Electoral Commission. You will need to enter your postcode.
Easy Read Guides to Voting:
Easy Read Guide to Voting: Gov.uk
Easy Read Guide to Voting: Democracy Classroom
Easy Read Guide to Postal Voting: Gov.uk
BSL Guide to ID Voting:
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You can vote if:
-18 years or older.
-Are a British citizen (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales).
-Live in the UK.
Ways you can vote:
-In person at your local polling station.
-By post.
-By having someone else vote for you (voting by proxy).
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You must register to vote by 11:59 PM on 20 April 2026. This can be done online.
-They will ask you where you live
-They will ask you your nationality (British, Irish, or a citizen of a different country)
-Date of birth
-Your name (first, middle, and last)
-If you have ever changed your name
-National Insurance Number
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You will need a photo ID in order to vote in this election. You can apply for a free voter ID. You must apply for this by 28 April at 5 PM. Apply for it online.
There is a full list of suitable identification available online.
Some examples of suitable Photo ID include:
Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country (including and Irish passport Card)
Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving license)
A Blue Badge
Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
Registered Blind Person’s SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
Biometric immigration document
Voter Authority Certificate: apply for one online.
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You can find your polling station online.
-If you have registered to vote, you will be sent a poll card before the election, which will tell you when to vote and at which polling station.
-You can only vote at the station listed on your card. Be sure to take it with you. If you lose the card, you can still vote.
-Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 10 PM on 7 May 2026
-When you get to the polling station, you will give your name and address to the staff.
-You will need to show your photo ID to confirm your identity
-You will be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties, or options you can vote for.
-Follow the instructions on the notices in the polling booth and on the top of the ballot
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You can register to vote by post online.
-Mark your vote on your ballot paper in secret.
-Fill in the postal voting statement.
-Put the ballot and statement in the envelope provided.
-Seal the envelope yourself.
-Post your ballot back as quickly as possible to make sure it is counted.
-If you are too late to post your ballot paper, you can take it to your local polling station by 10 PM on election day, or the Electoral Registration Office.
-If your ballot is damaged or lost, you can ask your local electoral registration office to post a replacement.
-OR you can collect a replacement at your local Electoral Registration Office up to 5 pm on election day.
-You can apply for a postal vote until Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
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You can register to vote by proxy online.
You can vote by proxy if:
-You are away on polling day
-are registered as an overseas voter
-have a medical issue or disability
-are unable to vote in person because of work or military service
-Your proxy should be someone you trust; you will need to tell them the candidate you want to vote for.
-If you want to apply for a proxy vote, you can do this online. You must apply by 5 PM on 28 April 2026.
-You can also apply by post.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can no longer apply for a proxy vote unless it is an emergency. Find out more online.
Who can act as a proxy:
Anyone can be your proxy as long as they:
Are registered to vote
Are allowed to vote in the type of election taking place
Can vote at the polling station stated on your poll card.
They will need to bring a photo ID of themselves, but not of you.
Remember, you can contact your electoral registration office about:
-Accessibility of polling stations
-Low-level polling booths.
-Any specific equipment you need.
-Every polling station must provide at least one large print display of the ballot paper.