Voter guide
To understand what to expect when voting for the first time you can visit the BBC website for any questions you might have.
Registering to vote
Before you can vote in an election you will need to register. This means you will be added to West Northamptonshire's electoral register.
If you aren't already registered to vote, registering is quick and simple:
You will need your:
- name
- date of birth
- national insurance number
After you have registered
If you are registered to vote, you will receive your poll card in the weeks leading up to the election. Your poll card will tell you when and where you can vote.
Voting in person
If you are voting in person this will be at your local polling station. If you are not sure where this is you can enter your postcode on the Electoral Commission website to find out.
To vote in person you will need your Voter ID with you on the day. This is a piece of ID with your photo to prove you are who you say you are.
Accepted forms of Voter ID:
- Passport (UK, EU/EEA, Commonwealth issued)
- Driving licence (including provisional licences) (UK, EU/EEA issued)
- Blue Badge
- Certain older/disabled people concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
Find more information on Voter ID.
If you do not have a photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ for free. This is a paper document with your photo on it that you can use to prove your identity when voting.
At the polling station
On the day, you will need to make your vote between 7am and 10pm. Inside the polling station the poll clerk will ask your name and address to check you are on the electoral register. They will ask to see your Photo ID.
You will be given a ballot paper and shown to the polling booth to make your vote. There are pencils in the polling booth but you are welcome to bring your own pen or pencil. Follow the instructions on the ballot paper to mark who you would like to vote for.
Find more detailed information about the day on the Electoral Commission website.
Alternative ways to vote
If you are unable to vote in person there are two alternatives you might want to choose.
If you cannot reach your polling station to vote in person you can enter your vote through the post. You will need to apply to vote via post and must apply 11 working days before the election you are voting in.
You will need to give your date of birth and signature on your application form.
A postal vote pack will be sent to you before the election that will include:
- your ballot papers
- envelopes
- a declaration form
You will need to mark your vote on the ballot paper and then sign and put your date of birth on the declaration form. The envelope will be pre-addressed and will not require a stamp.
Find more information on the process of postal voting on the Electoral Commission website.
If you cannot reach your polling station to vote in person you can ask a trusted person to make your vote for you. You will need to apply to use a proxy vote at least 6 working days before election day.
To apply you will need:
- your national insurance number
- the address where your trusted person is registered to vote
- contact details for your trusted person
On the day, your trusted person will need to know who you want to vote for and where your local polling station is. They will need to have their own photo ID with them. They will then be able to enter your vote for you.
For more information on proxy voting see the Electoral Commission website.
Last updated 11 April 2025