Register to vote
Register to vote to get on the electoral register, or to change your details.
You need to be on the electoral register to vote in elections or referendums.
You only need to register once - not for every election. You’ll need to register again if you’ve changed your name, address or nationality.
What you need to know
You’ll be asked for your National Insurance number (but you can still register if you do not have one).
After you’ve registered, your name and address will appear on the electoral register.
Who can register
You must be aged 16 or over (you can't vote until you are 18).
You must also be one of the following:
- a British citizen
- an Irish or EU citizen living in the UK
- a Commonwealth citizen who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission
- a citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission
When an election is called, each registered elector will be sent a Poll Card advising where and when they can vote. These cards will usually be sent out approximately two weeks before the election. You do not need to take the card with you to the polling station. From May 2023 electors, who wish to vote in person - including those acting as a proxy on behalf of another individual - will be required to produce an accepted form of photographic ID to confirm their identity before they will be issued with a ballot paper at a polling station.
However, if you have applied for either a postal or a proxy vote you will be sent a separate notification.
Voting by post, by proxy or in person
You can choose which method suits you best, to fit in with your lifestyle or to help your vote to be counted if you can't make it to the polling station yourself.
Last Updated on Thursday, May 11, 2023