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: app.ipswich.gov.uk/polling-station.

What do I need to vote?

Following a change in the law in 2023, you will need to show photo ID at the polling station. For most people this will be a passport, driving license or older person’s bus pass.

For the full list of acceptable photo ID please visit the Electoral Commission website. This also explains how to get a free-of-charge ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ if you don’t already have another form of acceptable photo ID.

What happens in the polling station?

Once staff have at the polling station have checked your ID they will cross your name off the list of people eligible to vote and 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.