Town council elections: Dos and Don’ts for polling stations

Unless you’ve already applied for a postal or proxy vote, you’ll be making your choices at your nearest polling station.

If you’ve voted before you may be familiar with the set-up and the rules.

If this is your first time, or you need a refresher, here are the key ‘dos and don’ts, based on guidance from the Electoral Commission and UK election law.

When are polling stations open?

All polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, with busy periods varying from place to place. If you don’t know where your nearest polling station is, you can check your polling card or visit www.wheredoivote.co.uk.

Do I have to have my polling card with me when I vote?

NO – but you will be asked to confirm your name and address before you can be issued with a ballot paper.

The exception is if you are registered to vote anonymously – for example, to protect your identity if you have been a victim of domestic abuse or harassment.

Anonymous electors must show an Anonymous Elector’s Document (AED) at the polling station, along with their anonymous poll card; other forms of photo ID are not accepted.

To vote anonymously, you must have registered with your local authority in advance and provided evidence so they can grant anonymous status and issue the AED.

Do I have to bring ID with me to vote?

YES – you must bring an acceptable form of photo voter ID, such as a passport or driving licence. The name on your ID must match the name on the electoral register; if you have changed your name, take an additional document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate.

If you are voting on someone’s behalf as their proxy, you must take your own photo ID to the polling station; you do not need to take theirs.

Does my polling station have to be wheelchair-accessible?

YES – there are clear requirements to support disabled and vulnerable people so they can vote independently and comfortably. These include making sure a wheelchair can access all parts of the site, providing a low-level booth, ensuring the ballot box is at a suitable height and displaying notices that can be read by people who are visually impaired.

Chairs should be available for those who cannot stand for long periods, and polling agents and observers must be positioned so they do not interfere with voting or look over people’s shoulders.

Do I have to vote with the pencil provided?

NO – you can vote with your own pen, provided it is in black or dark blue ink.

Do I have to vote for any of the candidates?

NO – if none of the candidates or parties match your views, you can spoil your ballot.

After polls close, all spoiled or doubtful ballot papers are reviewed and must be agreed as rejected or accepted by the returning officer, with candidates or their agents allowed to observe.

If you are really unhappy, you can leave a clear message of dissatisfaction on your ballot paper, which candidates legally have to read.

Please note: spoiling your ballot should be a last resort: it is better than not voting at all, but take time to read the candidates’ literature before you do this.

Can staff at the polling station wear coloured clothing

YES – but they can’t wear anything which could influence a voter’s decision.

The Electoral Commission’s handbook says the atmosphere should be “business-like and friendly, and polling station staff should dress accordingly”.

Staff don’t have to wear suits or very formal clothes, but they cannot wear badges, slogans or party colours which could call their impartiality into question.

Can candidates stand inside the polling station when I cast my vote?

YES – but they must not disrupt voting or attempt to canvass voters, and they may of course enter to cast their own vote.

The same applies to police officers, election agents, polling station staff and Electoral Commission observers.

Polling agents can also attend to check that people are not impersonating other voters or trying to vote twice – but only one polling agent per candidate is allowed in a polling station at any given time.

If you are under 18, you can accompany someone into the polling station, but you must not disrupt or compromise the proceedings, for example by being noisy or shouting out how people have voted.

Can I take my dog (or other pets) to the polling station

YES – as long as they are kept under control and don’t disrupt proceedings. It has become popular for people to post pictures of their dogs outside polling stations using the hashtag #dogsatpollingstations on social media.

Larger animals, such as horses, can be brought to the polling place but must be tied up outside.

Can I take photos inside the polling station?

NO – it is illegal to communicate or publicise anything which could breach the secrecy of the ballot, including photographs that show a ballot paper or reveal how someone has voted or intends to vote. If you are caught doing this, you could face a fine of up to £5,000 and possibly up to six months in prison.

It is best to leave any photos for outside the polling station.