Voting

Voting in person

There are 40 polling stations in the district. These are usually in local schools or other community buildings. You will be allocated to vote at the polling station for the address where you are registered. You cannot vote at another polling station.

Poll card

Every registered elector will receive an Official Poll Card. The poll card shows when, where and how to vote. For electors voting in person, the poll card will also include a map showing the location of your polling station. The poll card is for information only but it will save you time if you take it to the polling station and show it to the election staff.  If you lose you poll card or forget to take to the polling station - you can still vote without it. Provided you are registered, simply give the poll clerk your name and address.

At your polling station

Polling hours for all elections are from 7am to 10pm.

On arrival at your designated polling station, the poll clerk will ask you for your name and address and will confirm your details on the register. You will then be issued with your ballot paper(s). The ballot paper will contain a unique identifying mark.

When you are given your ballot paper(s), go to one of the polling booths. Mark a cross "X" in the box on the right hand side of the ballot paper opposite the name(s) of the candidate you wish to vote for.  Do not put any other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.

If you spoil your ballot paper by mistake, show it to the presiding officer or poll clerk and ask for a replacement.
Fold the marked ballot paper in half. Show the presiding officer the number and other unique identifying mark on the back of the ballot paper(s), but do not let anyone see your vote. Put the ballot paper(s) in the ballot box and leave the polling station.

Postal Votes

A ballot paper will be sent to you at the address you specify before the election. The form can be returned by post. In a bid to combat fraud, all postal votes will now be subject to signature checking. When you make an application to vote by post you will be asked to provide a specimen signature and your date of birth. This information will be required on a security statement on all returned ballot papers and will be checked against our records.

The deadline for receipt of postal vote applications is 11 days before any election.

Proxy votes

A proxy is someone who votes on your behalf. Voting by proxy is alternative way to vote if you are unable to get to your polling station or vote by post.

You may appoint someone to vote on your behalf if:

• You are unable to go to the polling station for a particular election , for example, if you are away on holiday
• You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day
• Your employment or educational circumstance mean that you cannot go to the polling station on election day
• You are a British citizen living overseas
• You are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces

If you appoint a proxy, you may still vote in person, as long as your proxy has not already voted for you. You cannot vote in person if your proxy has already arranged to vote for you by post.

To apply for a proxy vote, you must be registered to vote.

Postal proxy vote

Should your proxy wish to vote by post, please complete the postal proxy application form and return to Electoral Services. 

Help for voters

If you have any questions or special needs, please ask the polling station staff, they are there to help you or alternatively call the Electoral Services office on 01638 719366
Help for partially sighted voters
In the polling station there are large-print versions of the ballot paper to assist you. A magnifier is also available.

Voting companions

Any voter with a physical disability can take a relative or friend to help them vote. A simple form will need to be completed by the helper at the polling station before the ballot paper is issued.

Help for wheelchair users

All polling places in Forest Heath are accessible for wheelchair users.

Help for blind voters

Blind and partially-sighted voters can also vote in secret.  A special tactile device is fitted to the ballot paper and the voter simply lifts the tab where they wish to vote.

The presiding officer will read out the candidates’ numbers before the voter goes into the polling booth.

Help from the presiding officer

The presiding officer in charge of the polling station can help any elector to mark their ballot papers. They are bound by electoral law to keep your vote secret.