Elections - Voting

Our aim for elections is to provide a proper, fair and cost effective service, which ensures that we run elections free from fraud and error within the legislative requirements.

Who can vote?
You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors.
The following people are allowed to vote:

  • if you are eighteen years or over
  • all British, Commonwealth, Irish and other European Union citizens
  • overseas electors
  • members of HM Forces and their spouses
  • crown servants employed outside the United Kingdom
  • European citizens are allowed to vote in European and Local elections only
  • overseas Electors are allowed to vote in Parliamentary and European Elections only

How will I know an election is taking place, and where I can vote?
You will get a poll card just before an election if you are eligible to vote. This will tell you when the election is, where you should go to vote and when the polling station is open. If you are a postal or proxy voter you will receive a letter informing you when and how to vote at the election.

Voting in Person

What happens at the polling station?
The polling station is often a local hall near where you live. 'Polling' is another word for voting.
On election day, you can (but don't have to) take your poll card along to the polling station, or you can tell the staff inside the polling station your name and address so they can check that you're on the register. The staff at the polling station will check your name on a list (electoral register) and give you a folded ballot paper(s) printed with a security mark. This is a list of the people or parties you can vote for. Go to a polling booth, where you put an 'X' in the box next to the person or party (some elections allow you to make several choices, this will be shown on the ballot paper) you want to vote for.
Do not write anything else on the paper or your vote may not be counted.
Refold the ballot paper and put it in the ballot box. If you are not clear what to do, ask the staff at the polling station to help you. Do not let anyone else see your vote.

Voting by Post

Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station. To vote by post, you'll need to fill in an application form paying particular attention to the date of birth and signature section. You need to sign your application form yourself as this will be used for voting security reasons.

Who can apply for a postal vote?
Anyone who is eligible to vote can apply for a postal vote. You do not need a reason to vote by post.

Where can I get my postal vote sent?
A postal vote can be sent to your home address or to any other address that you give. Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you need to consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return your ballot paper by election day.

When will I receive my ballot papers?
Postal votes are usually sent out about a week before election day. Once you've got it, mark your vote on the ballot paper, complete the statement and make sure you send it back so that it arrives by close of poll (which is 10pm on election day). If it arrives later than this your vote won't be counted.

When you get your postal voting papers:

  • Put them somewhere safe and secure
  • Don't let anyone else handle them
  • Make sure they are not left where someone else can pick them up

When you want to vote:

  • Complete your ballot paper in secret, on your own
  • Don't let anyone else vote for you
  • Don't let anyone else see your vote
  • Don't give the ballot paper to anyone else
  • Put the ballot paper in the envelope and seal it up yourself
  • Complete and sign the postal voting statement.
  • Put the postal voting statement and the envelope containing your ballot paper into the larger envelope and seal it.

When you return your postal vote:
Take it to the post box yourself, if you can. If you can't do that, either give it to somebody you know and trust to post it for you. Don't hand it to a candidate or party worker unless no other way is practical. Don't leave it where someone else can pick it up.

Remember that this is your vote - so keep it to yourself
If anyone tries to help you against your will, or force you to give them your postal vote, you should contact the police. If you have any other queries, ring Electoral Registration Office helpline 01609 767017.

Voting by Proxy

Proxy voting is where another person goes to the polling station to vote on your behalf. You can apply for a One Election Only Proxy or Indefinite Proxy. When applying for a One Election Only Proxy you do not need anyone to support your application. Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in that type of election and they are willing to vote on your behalf. You cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election, unless they are a close relative.

For indefinite proxy applications you have to provide a reason. You can apply for a proxy vote if:

  • You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day
  • Your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day
  • Your attendance on an educational course means 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

Except if you are registered blind, you will have to get someone to support your application to confirm that your reason for applying to vote by proxy is valid. Read the notes that accompany the application form to find out if you need to get someone to support your application and who can do it.

If you are suddenly incapacitated or taken ill, you can apply to vote by proxy for medical reasons up until 5pm on polling day.

What happens after I've voted?

When voting is over the votes are counted. The winner or winners are the people with the most votes or at a European Election by proportional representation. These people are responsible for representing you. You can tell them what you think about issues that affect you, by phone, by letter or by email. You can also ask to meet and speak to them in person. Please click onto the following links to contact your councillors / representatives.
Parish and Town Council Contacts
District Councillors
County Councillors Opens in a new window
Members of Parliament Opens in a new window
European Member of Parliament Opens in a new window

Contact Us
Email; elecreg@hambleton.gov.uk
Elections helplines 01609 767227
Elections Office, Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, DL6 2UU

Links and Downloads
About My Vote Opens in a new window
Postal Vote application Opens in a new window
Proxy Vote Application Opens in a new window
Electoral Registration Application Opens in a new window
Commonwealth, Irish and other European Union citizens Opens in a new window

 

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