How to vote

Vote in person at a polling station

Most people vote in person at a polling station. You can find out where your nearest polling station is by checking the information printed on your poll card.

Polling stations are open from 7am and close at 10pm. When you go to the polling station you will need to give your name and address to the relevant staff member who will check you are registered to vote.

You do not need your poll card to vote at a polling station.

Please ensure you don’t take any photos inside the polling station as you might find yourself in breach of secrecy of the ballot requirements.

Postal vote

If you are registered to vote but unable to vote in person on the day of the election (eg if you’re away from home or you’re abroad), you can apply for a postal vote.

You can apply for a postal vote or cancel your postal vote up to 11 working days before the election. Postal votes can be done on a temporary or permanent basis.

If you live abroad and are registered, you can apply for a postal vote but you need to make sure you have time to receive and return your ballot papers on polling day.

Apply for a postal vote

Please download the postal vote form from the Electoral Commission website. Once complete, you can send it to us by email elections.office@havant.gov.uk or by post.

Electoral Services, Havant Borough Council, Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant, PO9 2AX.

Proxy vote

If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

You can apply for a proxy vote if:

  • You are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday
  • 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

There are different forms depending on the reason that you need a proxy vote. If you live abroad and are registered, you can also apply for a proxy vote.

Apply for a proxy vote

Please download the proxy vote form from the Electoral Commission website. Once complete, you can send it to us by email elections.office@havant.gov.uk or by post.

Electoral Services, Havant Borough Council, Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant, PO9 2AX.