Registration, postal votes, proxy votes, in-person votes, ID... Here's how to make sure YOU'RE able to vote on 4th July.

The process for voting can be complicated if you're unsure whether you're on the electoral roll or what's an acceptable form of identification to take with you to the polling station. 

The Government research briefing, Disabled people: political participation, states that 'many disabled voters still experience barriers to political participation'.  However it's vitally important that people affected by brain injury have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. We hope this guide will help you feel prepared and able to cast your vote in the General Election on 4th July. 

Step 1: Registering to vote 

The deadline for voter registration for the upcoming General Election is 11.59pm on Tuesday 18th June 2024.

To vote in the upcoming General Election you must be on the electoral register.  Your local council should be able to tell you whether you are already registered to vote.  Click here to find out which local council looks after the electoral register in your area. 

If you are not currently registered to vote, or have recently moved house or changed your name, you only need to register once. You will be asked for your National Insurance Number to register online (you can find this on benefits letters) but you can still register if you don't have this to hand. 

More information about registering online or using a paper form is available here, on the Government website.

Step 2: Voting

Voting in person 

You will be sent a polling card through the post a few weeks before voting day and this will give you the details of your local polling station. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at your polling station, please contact your local council before the day. 

You can vote in person at the polling station listed on your card between 7am and 10pm on polling day. 

If you think you might struggle with travelling to the polling station on your own or you are unable to travel independently, consider asking in advance whether a friend relative can take you with them when they go to vote. 

You will need to take a form of photo ID when casting your vote, for example a passport or driving licence.  The photo in your ID must look like you and show the same name that you are registered to vote with. You can find a list of acceptable ID here.  Unfortunately if you have a Brain Injury ID Card, this is not an acceptable form of ID for the purposes of voting.

What if I don't have the required photo ID?

If you do not have a valid form of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. You must apply for this by 5pm on Wednesday 26th June 2024.

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on the Government website, here.

What will happen at the polling station?

When you arrive at the polling station you will be asked for your name and address. You name will be checked against the electoral register. You will then be given a ballot paper so you can vote and directed to a booth so your vote remains confidential. The staff at the polling station will be able to help you if you have any questions. 

Alternatively, you can vote through the post or by proxy (asking someone you trust to cast your vote on your behalf). 

Voting by post

Voting by post is a good option for many people.  It can be useful if you have mobility issues, difficulties with transport, caring responsibilities or simply prefer it. 

You must apply to vote by post before 5pm on Wednesday 19th June 2024. You can apply on the Government website here or by  printing a postal vote application form from the Electoral Commission website here. 

After you have requested a postal vote a ballot pack will be sent to you by post before the day of the election. Read the instructions carefully so you understand the next steps.  Complete the ballot paper carefully and confidentially and seal it in the envelope provided. Post your postal vote envelope as soon as possible by taking it to a regular post box. If you are not able to post your envelope yourself ask someone to post it for you. 

If you do not post your postal vote ahead of time you can still take your ballot paper to your local polling station on 4th July and they will accept your ballot. 

Voting by proxy (having someone you trust vote on your behalf)

This can be useful if you have mobility issues, difficulties with transport, caring responsibilities or simply prefer it. 

The person who votes on your behalf must be aged 18 or over, registered to vote, able to get to your polling station on polling day and eligible to vote in the election. They do not have to be related to you. You must check with them before you nominate them. They do not need to take your ID with them when voting on your behalf, they should only take their own. 

You can apply to vote by proxy by visiting the Government website  or printing an application form here.

You must submit your application to vote by proxy by 5pm on Wednesday 26th June 2024. 

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KEY DATES TO REMEMBER (not all of these will apply to everyone)

• Tuesday 18th June - deadline for registering to vote 
• Wednesday 19th June - deadline for applying for a postal vote 
• Wednesday 26th June - deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate 
• Wednesday 26th June - deadline for applying for a by proxy vote 

CHECKLIST 

• Check that you are registered to vote or make sure you are registered 
• Have your photo ID ready to take along with you, or apply for a form of photo ID if you're voting in person 
• Apply for voting by post or by proxy if required 
• Receive your polling card through the post 
• Check that the polling station is accessible to you if you're voting in person 
• Plan in advance if you need assistance with travelling to the polling if you're voting in person 
• Make a note of the key dates to remember on a calendar 
• Sat an alarm for polling day if you're voting in person 

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If you need support with following the steps to make sure you're able to vote on 4th July please get in touch with us on 0115 9679669. 

This guide to voting was produced by the national charity to whom we are affiliated, Headway - the brain injury association. You can read their manifesto, calling on the next Government to deliver meaningful change for people affected by brain injury, here.