How to vote

There are two ways to cast your vote – in person at the polling station or using a postal vote.

This page will outline how you can vote in person or by post.

If you haven’t registered to vote, visit this page to find out how to.

If you are supporting someone to vote, please visit our page with some ideas and tips for support workers and carers.

Visit this website to find out who your local candidates are.

Voting in person

You can vote in person at a place called a polling station. You will vote on election day.

When you get to the polling station

Polling stations are in community buildings, like schools and churches

A polling station is a place in your neighbourhood where you can go to vote in an election.

When you get to the polling station you will be asked to give the person there your polling card. Don’t worry if you don’t have it, you don’t need it.

They will ask you to confirm your address. This is to make sure you are registered to vote.

You will get a ballot paper. This has a list of the people you can vote for on it.

Casting your vote

You will cast your vote in private

You will go to a small booth where you can take time to decide who to vote for.

Using the pencil provided, put a tick next to the person you want to vote for. Don’t put any other marks on the ballot paper.

If you need a new ballot paper, ask the polling station staff.

When you have completed the ballot paper, fold it in half and put it in the box.

Don’t talk about who you voted for in the polling station, wait until you are away from it.

Getting support to vote at a polling station

Polling station staff can help you

At the polling station you might have to ask someone for help.

There is someone called an Electoral Officer who can help you.

Tell them you have a learning disability or autism and how they can support you.

You can download our Voting Passport to help with this.

The Voting Passport clearly shows how you would like to be supported and your legal rights to vote.

Click the button below to download your Voting Passport.

Voting by post

A postal vote means you will get you voting paper before the day of the election. You can complete this in your own time and post it to the Electoral Office.

Why you might want to use the postal vote

 

You can complete a postal vote in your home

A postal vote is a way of voting that means:

  • You can vote before the day of the election.
  • You don’t have to go to a polling station.
  • You can take more time to complete your vote.

You might want to get a postal vote if:

  • You are going to be busy the day of the election.
  • You might not have someone to support you to the polling station on the day of the election.
  • You want to avoid travelling, queues and crowds of people.
  • You will feel pressured voting at the polling station.

How to vote by post

Postal poll cards will come with instructions

You will receive your postal poll card in the post.

You can complete this in your own time and with support.

Follow the instructions that comes with the poll card, you might want support to read these.

Put your voting paper in the envelope provided and put it in a letter box.

Don’t miss the deadlines to vote by post

Deadlines will be posted in the news

You need to let the Electoral Commission know that you want to vote by post, this is called registering for a postal vote.

There will be a deadline to register for a postal vote before each election.

You can register for a postal vote on this website.

You will also need to make sure you post your postal vote in time.

There will be a deadline for postal votes before each election.

Mark was happy he voted by post because he didn’t have to go out in the rain!

Share your stories and inspire others

If the person you support is happy to, they can share their stories and photos on social media (make sure you have consent from the person you are supporting).

You are not allowed to take photos inside the polling station, but you can take one outside.

If you are taking a photo with the ballot card, make sure no personal details are visible.

Read how people we support have voted.

Remember to include #LoveYourVote or tag @DimensionsUK so we can see all your great stories.

Sharing our stories can encourage other people to vote.

The more people with learning disabilities that vote, along with their families and friends, increases the voice of this community, means the issues and concerns are given a higher priority among politicians.