Registering to vote

If you are not included in the electoral register you cannot vote at elections even if, for example, you are registered to pay council tax.

Please note that for the local elections taking place on Thursday 3 May 2012 applications to register to vote had to be received no later than Wednesday 18 April, so the deadline has now passed.

To register under the monthly register updates procedures, which apply from December to September (but, in 2011/12, from December to July), complete and return our:

application to register to vote

For information about registering to vote see our:

guide to registering to vote

For information about registering as a service voter or overseas elector, and for application forms, please visit the Electoral Commission's about my vote website.

For further information or advice on electoral registration please contact the elections office via our:

online form or
by phone on 01993 861525.

Voting by post

Once you have registered, it is possible to ask for a postal vote. Complete and return our:

postal voting application form

Your application must be received no later than 5pm, 11 working days before election day.

Once registered for a postal vote, your ballot paper will be posted to you for you to fill in and return.

Please note that for the local elections taking place on Thursday 3 May 2012 applications to vote by post had to be received by 5 pm on Wednesday 18 April, so the deadline for applications has now passed.

Voting by proxy

It is possible to let someone else vote for you. This is called a proxy vote. The person you choose to vote for you must vote for the candidate you want. Please contact electoral services for an application.

The reason for needing a proxy vote must be given on your application form - for example being away on holiday on polling day. The application must be received by 5pm six working days before election day. Please note that for the local elections taking place on Thursday 3 May 2012 applications to appoint a proxy had to be received no later than 5 pm on Wednesday 25 April, so the deadline has passed.

However, applications on the grounds of a medical emergency can be made up until 5pm on polling day.

Should you wish to appoint a proxy for a longer period, for example because of your work or health, or to appoint an emergency proxy for a particular election, then please contact electoral services or call us on 01993 861522 or 01993 861525.