How do I register to vote?

You can register online in just a few minutes – here. You’ll need your National Insurance number.

When do I vote?

You can cast your vote at your local polling station which will be open from 7am-10pm on polling day.

Where do I vote?

You will need to visit your local polling station. This will usually be a specific local school or community centre close to where you live.

The location of your polling station will be on the poll card that will be delivered to you before polling day. If you can’t find your poll card, don’t worry, use this simple website to find out where your polling station is: http://maps.colchester.gov.uk:8080/enquiry/maps/elections/polling_station_locator.html

What do I need to vote?

You do not need to show photo ID. You do not need to bring anything to vote. You will need to tell polling staff your name and address. They will then cross your name off the list and give you a ballot paper.

What happens in the polling station?

Once you tell the staff in the station your name and address, they will then confirm that you are on the electoral register and are eligible to vote. The staff at the polling station will then give you your ballot paper. This will list the parties and candidates you can vote for.

The names featured will be your local candidates standing to represent you in your local area and will not be the names of the main party political leaders.

Take your ballot paper into a polling booth so that no one can see how you vote. To place your vote place a cross next to the candidate you wish to vote for. This will be explained on the ballot paper too. Do not write or draw anything else on the paper as your vote may not be counted. If you make a mistake you can ask the polling staff to give you another ballot paper.

You cannot take photos in the voting booth. This is illegal and you may be prosecuted.

Postal Votes

Election rules were relaxed in 2001, and since then thousands of voters in Colchester have chosen to vote by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote, they aren’t just for people who are ill or on holiday. You don’t need to give a reason, if voting by post is more convenient than getting to the polling station then sign up now.

Download a postal vote application form here

If you live in Colchester, return your completed form to:

Colchester Borough Council
Electoral Registration Officer
Electoral Services
Rowan House
33 Sheepen Road
CO3 3WG

If you want a postal vote for the local elections on 6 May 2021 the Council must receive your form by 5pm on Wednesday 21 April 2021.

Proxy Voting

Who can apply for a proxy vote?

If you are registered to vote then you can apply for a proxy vote. This is when someone you trust votes on your behalf, because you are unable to. When you apply for a proxy vote you must provide a reason. You can apply for a proxy vote if:

• You are unable to go to the polling station because, for example, you are away on holiday
• You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station
• Your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station
• Your attendance on an educational course means that you cannot go to the polling station
• You are a British citizen living overseas
• You are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces

How do I apply for a Proxy Vote?

Download an application form here

If you live in Colchester, return your completed form to:

Colchester Borough Council
Electoral Registration Officer
Electoral Services
Rowan House
33 Sheepen Road
CO3 3WG

If you want a proxy vote for the local elections on 6 May 2021 the Council must receive your form by 5pm on Wednesday 28 April 2021.

 

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