FAQs about elections and voting
Below are frequently asked questions and answers about elections and voting. These answers have been reviewed and approved by the Electoral Commission. Select your country below to get started.
Voter registration
I can’t remember if I am registered to vote. What should I do?
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, then register again. There is no issue with registering twice and this ensures that the electoral office has the most up-to-date information about you.
If you want to check if you are registered you can contact the Electoral Registration Office for Northern Ireland.
Can I register to vote anonymously?
If you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register, you need to fill in a form and explain why your safety - or that of someone in your household - would be at risk. Information about registering to vote anonymously can be found on the website of the Electoral Commission.
What is the electoral register?
The electoral register (sometimes called the ‘electoral roll’) is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote. If you opt out of inclusion on the open register then your details on the electoral register will not be available for purchase by anyone. However, your details will be used for a number of legally specified purposes such as:
- Detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
- Calling people for jury service
- Checking credit applications
You can get on the electoral register by registering to vote. You can also register to vote anonymously via the Electoral Office, where your details won’t be shared.
Can I register to vote without my National Insurance number?
If you cannot find your National Insurance number, you can still complete the registration form on the website of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland. Your elections team will still need to verify your identity somehow, and may contact you separately to do this. If you find your National Insurance number later on, just complete the form again.
Can someone register to vote on my behalf?
You must register to vote yourself, but you can get help completing your application if you need it. The UK government has produced an easy-read version of the voter registration form.
People with a disability can also get help from their Electoral Registration Office with registering to vote.
Can I register to vote if I do not have a permanent address?
If you do not have a permanent address, you can register by completing an ‘electoral registration form for someone with no fixed address’. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland maintain a website to support you to register if you do not have a permanent address. It contains a form you can use to register to vote.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote via the GOV.UK website. It takes about 5 minutes.
You need to include some basic information, such as your name, address and your National Insurance number.
Where do I find my National Insurance number?
UK citizens are normally sent a letter with their National Insurance number just after turning 16. In the past this also included a National Insurance card.
If you have a job, your National Insurance number should be on your payslip. You might also want to search in your emails or messages for 'NI number' or 'National Insurance number' to see if you have a record of it.
If you are under 16, then you are not required to provide a National Insurance number when registering to vote in Wales.
Do I need to be on the ‘open register’ to vote?
No. When you register to vote you will get an option to opt in or out of the 'open register'. The open register is part of the electoral register (the names and addresses of people registered) but is not used for elections.
The open register can be bought by organisations and companies.
How to vote and voter ID
What happens if I don't vote?
Nothing. If you don’t vote, your preferences will not affect the outcome of the election.
While voting is not compulsory in the UK, it is one of the best ways for you to influence who represents you and makes decisions affecting your community. So, it’s important to vote if you can.
I don’t have a form of accepted photo ID to vote. What should I do?
If there’s enough time before the election is due to take place, you can apply for one of the accepted forms of photo ID. You can use the Electoral Commission's website to verify which forms of photo ID are accepted.
Electoral Identity Cards can also be used as an accepted form of photo ID when voting. You can apply for one on the website of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
What ID do I need to vote?
In Northern Ireland, voters have been required to show ID when voting at a polling station since 1985, and photographic ID since 2003.
The accepted forms of photographic ID in Northern Ireland are:
- A UK, Irish or EU passport (including the Irish Passport Card). However, EU passports are not accepted for elections to the UK Parliament.
- A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence, including a provisional licence.
- A Translink Half Fare SmartPass.
- A Translink Senior SmartPass.
- A Translink 60+ SmartPass.
- A Translink War Disablement SmartPass.
- A Translink Registered Blind SmartPass.
- A Biometric Immigration Document.
- An Electoral Identity Card.
The document does not need to be current, but the photograph must be a good enough likeness for polling-station staff to confirm that you are the person shown on the ID.
You can find all the information you need to know about voter ID using the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland's Electoral Identity Card FAQ website.
Candidates, manifestos and political parties
Who can I vote for?
Enter your postcode at the Electoral Commission's polling station finder to see which candidates you can vote for in the upcoming election.
What is a manifesto?
A manifesto is a set of pledges that a political party makes when standing for an election. Although these pledges are not legally binding, they give voters an idea of what the party plans to do if they win power.
Understanding voting and the political system
What is a unitary authority?
Northern Ireland does not have unitary authorities.
In Northern Ireland, a local council is the local government body responsible for a range of services in its area. Northern Ireland has 11 local councils, which are responsible for services like waste collection, recycling, local planning, environmental health, leisure, parks, and community facilities. They are not responsible for services such as education, public housing, roads, transport, policing, or fire services.
Voter registration
I can’t remember if I am registered to vote. What should I do?
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, then register again. There is no issue with registering twice and this ensures that the electoral office has the most up-to-date information about you.
If you want to check if you are registered somewhere you can contact your Electoral Registration Office.
Can someone register to vote on my behalf?
You must register to vote yourself, but you can get help completing your application if you need it. The UK government has produced an easy-read version of the voter registration form.
People with a disability can also get help from their Electoral Registration Office with registering to vote.
Can I register to vote if I do not have a permanent address?
If you do not have a permanent address, you can register by completing an ‘electoral registration form for someone with no fixed or permanent address’. The form can be found on the GOV.UK website, along with further details on registering to vote if you don’t have a permanent address.
What is the electoral register?
The electoral register (sometimes called the ‘electoral roll’) is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote. If you opt out of inclusion on the open register then your details on the electoral register will not be available for purchase by anyone. However, your details will be used for a number of legally specified purposes such as:
- Detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
- Calling people for jury service
- Checking credit applications
You can get on the electoral register by registering to vote. You can also register to vote anonymously via the Electoral Office, where your details won’t be shared.
Can I register to vote anonymously?
If you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register, you need to fill in a form and explain why your safety - or that of someone in your household - would be at risk. Information about registering to vote anonymously can be found on the website of the Electoral Commission.
Do I need to be on the ‘open register’ to vote?
No. When you register to vote you will get an option to opt in or out of the 'open register'. The open register is part of the electoral register (the names and addresses of people registered) but is not used for elections.
The open register can be bought by organisations and companies.
Can I register to vote without my National Insurance number?
If you cannot find your National Insurance number, you can still complete the registration form on the GOV.UK website. Your elections team will still need to verify your identity somehow, and may contact you separately to do this. If you find your National Insurance number later on, just complete the form again.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote via the GOV.UK website. It takes about 5 minutes.
You need to include some basic information, such as your name, address and your National Insurance number.
Where do I find my National Insurance number?
UK citizens are normally sent a letter with their National Insurance number shortly after they turn 16. In the past this also included a National Insurance card.
If you have a job, your National Insurance number should be on your payslip. You might also want to search in your emails or messages for 'NI number' or 'National Insurance number' to see if you have a record of it.
How to vote and voter ID
I don’t have a form of accepted photo ID to vote. What should I do?
If there’s enough time before the election is due to take place, you can apply for one of the accepted forms of photo ID.
You can find the Electoral Commission's list of accepted forms of photo ID on their website.
You could also apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from your local council. The Certificate can be used as an accepted form of photo ID when voting.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate using the GOV.UK website.
What happens if I don't vote?
Nothing. If you don’t vote, your preferences will not affect the outcome of the election.
While voting is not compulsory in the UK, it is one of the best ways for you to influence who represents you and makes decisions affecting your community. So, it’s important to vote if you can.
Candidates, Manifestos and Political Parties
What is a manifesto?
A manifesto is a set of pledges that a political party makes when standing for an election. Although these pledges are not legally binding, they give voters an idea of what the party plans to do if they win power.
Who can I vote for?
Enter your postcode at the Electoral Commission's polling station finder to see which candidates you can vote for in the upcoming election.
Understanding voting and the Political system
What is a unitary authority?
A unitary authority is a single-tier local government in the UK responsible for all local services, combining the roles of county and district councils. It manages services like education, transport, housing, planning, and waste across its area, streamlining governance by eliminating a two-tier structure.
Voter registration
Can I register to vote if I do not have a permanent address?
If you do not have a permanent address, you can register by completing an ‘electoral registration form for someone with no fixed or permanent address’. The form can be found on the GOV.UK websitee, along with further details on registering to vote if you don’t have a permanent address.
Can I register to vote anonymously?
If you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register, you need to fill in a form and explain why your safety - or that of someone in your household - would be at risk. Information about registering to vote anonymously can be found on the website of the Electoral Commission.
I can’t remember if I am registered to vote. What should I do?
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, then register again. There is no issue with registering twice and this ensures that the electoral office has the most up-to-date information about you.
If you want to check if you are registered somewhere you can contact your Electoral Registration Office.
Do I need to be on the ‘open register’ to vote?
No. When you register to vote you will get an option to opt in or out of the 'open register'. The open register is part of the electoral register (the names and addresses of people registered) but is not used for elections.
The open register can be bought by organisations and companies.
What is the electoral register?
The electoral register (sometimes called the ‘electoral roll’) is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote. If you opt out of inclusion on the open register then your details on the electoral register will not be available for purchase by anyone. However, your details will be used for a number of legally specified purposes such as:
- Detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
- Calling people for jury service
- Checking credit applications
You can get on the electoral register by registering to vote. You can also register to vote anonymously via the Electoral Office, where your details won’t be shared.
Where do I find my National Insurance number?
UK citizens are normally sent a letter with their National Insurance number just after turning 16. In the past this also included a National Insurance card.
If you have a job, your National Insurance number should be on your payslip. You might also want to search in your emails or messages for 'NI number' or 'National Insurance number' to see if you have a record of it.
If you are under 16, then you are not required to provide a National Insurance number when registering to vote in Wales.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote via the GOV.UK website. It takes about 5 minutes.
You need to include some basic information, such as your name, address and your National Insurance number.
Can someone register to vote on my behalf?
You must register to vote yourself, but you can get help completing your application if you need it. The UK government has produced an easy-read version of the voter registration form.
People with a disability can also get help from their Electoral Registration Office with registering to vote.
Can I register to vote without my National Insurance number?
If you cannot find your National Insurance number, you can still complete the registration form on the GOV.UK website. Your elections team will still need to verify your identity somehow, and may contact you separately to do this. If you find your National Insurance number later on, just complete the form again.
Do I need a photo ID to register to vote?
No, you don’t need to provide a photo ID when you are registering to vote.
However, you will need a photo ID to vote at the polling station for UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections, and recall petitions.
So, it is a good time to check that you have a valid ID.
How to vote and voter ID
I don’t have a form of accepted photo ID to vote. What should I do?
Voter ID is only required in Scotland for UK Parliament elections. You do not need voter ID to vote in Scottish Parliament or council elections.
If you would like to vote in a UK Parliament election, and there’s enough time before the election is due to take place, you can apply for one of the accepted forms of photo ID.
A list of accepted forms of photo ID can be found here.
You could also apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from your local council. The Certificate is an accepted form of photo ID for voting in-person at UK Parliament elections.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate using the GOV.UK website.
How old do you need to be to vote in an election?
In Scotland you can vote in local elections and in elections for Holyrood (Scottish Parliament) at 16. However, you need to be 18 to vote in UK Parliament general elections.
What happens if I don't vote?
Nothing. If you don’t vote, your preferences will not affect the outcome of the election.
While voting is not compulsory in the UK, it is one of the best ways for you to influence who represents you and makes decisions affecting your community. So, it’s important to vote if you can.
Candidates, Manifestos and Political Parties
What is a manifesto?
A manifesto is a set of pledges that a political party makes when standing for an election. Although these pledges are not legally binding, they give voters an idea of what the party plans to do if they win power.
Who can I vote for?
Enter your postcode at the Electoral Commission's polling station finder to see which candidates you can vote for in the upcoming election.
Understanding voting and the Political system
What is a unitary authority?
A unitary authority is a single-tier local government in Scotland responsible for local government services across its area. Scotland has 32 local authorities, which are responsible for services like education, transport, housing, planning, and waste, with no separate county and district council structure.
Voter registration
Do I need a photo ID to register to vote?
No, you don’t need to provide a photo ID when you are registering to vote.
However, you will need a photo ID to vote at the polling station, if it is for UK Parliament elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, or recall petitions. You do not need photo ID to vote in Senedd elections or Welsh local elections.
So it is a good time to check if you have a valid ID.
Can I register to vote anonymously?
If you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register, you need to fill in a form and explain why your safety - or that of someone in your household - would be at risk. Information about registering to vote anonymously can be found on the website of the Electoral Commission.
Can someone register to vote on my behalf?
You must register to vote yourself, but you can get help completing your application if you need it. The UK government has produced easy-read versions of the voter registration form in English and Welsh.
People with a disability can also get help from their Electoral Registration Office with registering to vote.
I can’t remember if I am registered to vote. What should I do?
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, then register again. There is no issue with registering twice and this ensures that the electoral office has the most up-to-date information about you.
If you want to check if you are registered somewhere you can contact your Electoral Registration Office.
Where do I find my National Insurance number?
UK citizens are normally sent a letter with their National Insurance number just after turning 16. In the past this also included a National Insurance card.
If you have a job, your National Insurance number should be on your payslip. You might also want to search in your emails or messages for 'NI number' or 'National Insurance number' to see if you have a record of it.
If you are under 16, then you are not required to provide a National Insurance number when registering to vote in Wales.
Can I register to vote if I do not have a permanent address?
If you do not have a permanent address, you can register by completing an ‘electoral registration form for someone with no fixed or permanent address’. The form can be found on the GOV.UK website, along with further details on registering to vote if you don’t have a permanent address.
Can I register to vote without my National Insurance number?
If you cannot find your National Insurance number, you can still complete the registration form on the GOV.UK website. Your elections team will still need to verify your identity somehow, and may contact you separately to do this. If you find your National Insurance number later on, just complete the form again.
What is the electoral register?
The electoral register (sometimes called the ‘electoral roll’) is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote. Your details will be used for a number of legally specified purposes such as:
- Detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
- Calling people for jury service
- Checking credit applications
You can get on the electoral register by registering to vote. You can also register to vote anonymously via the Electoral Office, where your details won’t be shared.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote via the GOV.UK website. It takes about 5 minutes.
You need to include some basic information, such as your name, address and your National Insurance number.
How to vote and voter ID
How old do you need to be to vote in an election?
In Wales you can vote in local elections and in elections for the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) at 16. However, you need to be 18 to vote in UK Parliament general elections.
I don’t have a form of accepted photo ID to vote. What should I do?
You do not need photo ID to vote in Welsh Senedd elections or local elections. It is only required for UK Parliament elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and recall petititons.
If you do not have photo ID for an election that requires it then, if there’s enough time before the election is due to take place, you can apply for one of the accepted forms of photo ID.
You can find the Electoral Commission's list of accepted forms of photo ID on their website.
You could also apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from your local council. The Certificate is an accepted form of photo ID while voting.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate using the GOV.UK website.
What happens if I don't vote?
Nothing. If you don’t vote, your preferences will not affect the outcome of the election.
While voting is not compulsory in the UK, it is one of the best ways for you to influence who represents you and makes decisions affecting your community. So, it’s important to vote if you can.
Candidates, Manifestos and Political Parties
Who can I vote for?
Enter your postcode at the Electoral Commission's polling station finder to see which candidates you can vote for in the upcoming election.
What is a manifesto?
A manifesto is a set of pledges that a political party makes when standing for an election. Although these pledges are not legally binding, they give voters an idea of what the party plans to do if they win power.
Understanding voting and the Political system
What is a unitary authority?
A unitary authority is a single-tier local government in Wales responsible for local government services across its area. Wales has a single-tier system of local government, with councils responsible for services like education, transport, housing, planning, and waste, with no separate county and district council structure.