Your vote matters!
Voting is a fundamental right in any democracy, and understanding how to exercise this right is crucial. In the United Kingdom, the electoral process is straightforward, but for first-time voters or those unfamiliar with the system, it can seem daunting. Fear not! This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring your voice is heard in the democratic process.
Step 1: Register to Vote
Before you can participate in any election or referendum, you must be registered to vote. This can be done online through the government's official website, or by completing a paper registration form and sending it to your local Electoral Registration Office. You will need your National Insurance number and personal details handy when registering.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
To vote in the UK, you must be at least 18 years old on the day of the election or referendum. Additionally, you must be a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, and be resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years).
Step 3: Know When and Where to Vote
Election dates are usually announced well in advance, giving you time to plan. Polling stations are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on election day. Your polling station will be listed on your polling card, which you should receive in the mail before the election. You can also find your polling station online or by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office.
Step 4: Bring the Necessary ID
In most cases, you do not need to bring any identification to vote in the UK. However, if you are voting in Northern Ireland, you will need to bring a form of photo ID, such as a passport or driving license, as well as your polling card.
Step 5: Mark Your Ballot
When you arrive at the polling station, you will be given a ballot paper. Take it to one of the voting booths, where you can mark your vote in secret. Read the instructions carefully and follow them to ensure your vote is counted correctly. You may mark an 'X' next to the candidate or option of your choice.
Step 6: Cast Your Vote
Once you have marked your ballot paper, fold it in half and place it in the ballot box. You do not need to sign your ballot paper or provide any additional information. Your vote is now cast, and you have fulfilled your civic duty as a citizen of the UK.
Step 7: Await the Results
After polling stations close at 10:00 PM, the counting process begins. Results are usually announced throughout the night, with the final outcome becoming clear in the early hours of the morning. You can follow the results on television, radio, or online, or attend local count events if they are open to the public.
Don't lose your right to vote!
The Elections Act 2022 says that you MUST now have a photo ID to vote in person. Here is some information about what kind of ID you need and what to do if you don't have one.
In December 2022 Parliament passed The Elections Act. It requires all voters to show photo ID to vote in person in:
- local and general elections (including councils, mayors, and Police & Crime Commissioner)
- recall of MP petitions and by-elections
- referendums including neighbourhood planning, Business Improvement District referendums, and Council Tax increases
Information about voter registration deadlines and the date of the next election can be found on the Gateshead Council website.
A full list of acceptable IDs can be found below. Some common ones include:
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You can use an expired ID as long as the picture still looks like you.
Student or young person’s travel cards and University ID cards are not accepted.
What if I don’t have an ID?
You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online if:
- you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID
- you no longer look like the photo on your ID
- the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register
To apply, you will need to provide:
- your registered voting address
- a recent, digital photo
- your National Insurance number
If you don't have a National Insurance number you’ll need to prove your identity with another document, such as a birth certificate or a bank statement and utility bill.
You can apply by post, but you will need to download and print the forms and supply a passport style photo. Contact the Gateshead Electoral Registration Office if you need help at 0191 433 2166 or by email at electoralregistration@gateshead.gov.uk.
What kind of photo ID can I use?
This is the full list of acceptable ID. It can also be found on the GOV.UK website.
- a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man, or any of the Channel Islands
- a UK passport or one issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
- a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- a Blue Badge
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
- a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
- a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
- a Voter Authority Certificate
- an Anonymous Elector’s Document
You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID when you vote:
- an older person’s bus pass
- a disabled person’s bus pass
- an Oyster 60+ card
- a Freedom Pass
- a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
- a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass
You can use an expired ID as long as the photo still looks like you.
If you are voting on somone else's behalf as a proxy, you will need to take your own ID. You do not need theirs.
The name on your ID must match your name on the electoral register. Small differences do not matter; for example, if your ID says ‘Jim Smith’ instead of ‘James Smith’.
If it does not, you’ll need to either:
- register to vote again with your new details
- take a document with you to vote that proves you’ve changed your name (for example, a marriage certificate)
How do I apply for a Postal Vote?
To apply for a postal vote you must print the form and return it to the Electoral Services office. You can find the form here.
You must complete and return your ballot paper and security statement by election day, or your vote will not be counted. If you forget to post your ballot paper you can take it to your local polling station on the day of the election.
Due to new rules, councillors or other campaigners are no longer able to post your ballot for you.
Check that you have the right kind of ID now, and don't lose your right to vote!
DON'T SPOIL YOUR VOTE!
Spoiling your vote involves intentionally marking your ballot paper in a way that invalidates it; writing messages, drawing images, or making additional marks that obscure the intended vote. Essentially, it's a deliberate act to express dissatisfaction.
The Consequences of Spoiling Your Vote
While spoiling your vote may seem like a way to express dissatisfaction, it's essential to consider the potential consequences:
- Ineffectiveness: Spoiled votes are typically counted separately from valid votes but ultimately have no impact on the election outcome. They do not contribute to any candidate or cause, rendering them ineffective as a means of influencing change.
- Misinterpretation: A spoiled vote may be misinterpreted as a genuine mistake or invalidation due to error rather than a deliberate act of protest. As a result, its intended message may not be accurately conveyed.
- Lost Opportunity: By spoiling their vote, individuals forfeit the opportunity to support candidates or options that align more closely with their values or to participate in shaping the outcome of the election.
Why You Shouldn't Spoil Your Vote
Instead of spoiling your vote, consider alternative ways to make a meaningful impact:
- Vote strategically: Research candidates and their policies to identify those that best represent your views. Even if no candidate is perfect, choosing the one closest to your ideals can still make a difference.
- Engage in activism: Get involved in political campaigns, advocacy groups, or community initiatives that align with your values. By actively working for change, you can have a tangible impact on the issues that matter to you.
- Advocate for electoral reform: Campaign for changes to the electoral system that address issues such as voter representation, accountability, and transparency. By advocating for reform, you can help create a more inclusive and responsive democracy.