Voting

Frequently Asked Questions

• What if I am unable to get to the Polling Station on Election Day?
• How do I vote?
• What is the number for on the back of the ballot papers?
• What if I put a tick rather than a cross?
• What if I use blue ink instead of black?
• What if I make a mistake on my ballot paper?

What if I am unable to get to the Polling Station on Election Day?

If you are unable to go to your Polling Station on Election Day, you can apply to vote by post or you can apply to vote by proxy (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf).

• If you have a permanent physical incapacity, are registered blind or receive the higher rate of mobility component of the disability living allowance for a physical disability you are eligible for a permanent postal or proxy vote. The form requires the declaration that the information is correct from a doctor, nurse or warden of a home.
• If your work frequently takes you overseas
• If you will be on holiday when the election is taking place
• If you have moved house since you registered and are unable to go to your old polling station.
• If you are working during all hours of voting, for example as a member of the election staff.

Please contact the Electoral Registration Officer who will advise which form you need to complete.

How do I vote?

Poll cards are delivered shortly before an Election. Each member of the household who is eligible to vote should receive a poll card which informs them of the date of the election, where their polling station is and the hours of poll. You do not need to take the poll card with you to be able to vote.

• For Local Elections the hours of poll are 8.00am to 9.00pm
• For Parliamentary and European Elections the hours of poll are 7.00am to 10.00pm
• For General Elections the hours of poll are 7.00am to 10.00pm

On arrival at your designated polling station, the Presiding Officer will ask you to confirm your name and address and will issue you with a ballot paper.

The ballot paper will be marked with an official stamp.

You should take the ballot paper to the voting booth and mark with a "X" the candidate you wish to vote for.

Fold the ballot paper and deposit it in the ballot box.

What is the number for on the back of the ballot papers?

All ballot papers are numbered as a measure to prevent and detect fraud. However, all the ballot papers and ballot paper stubs are sealed up after the count and cannot be opened without a court order in order to retain the secrecy of the ballot.

What if I put a tick rather than a cross?

Provided it is clear that you intended to vote for a particular candidate your vote will be accepted

What if I use blue ink instead of black?

There is no requirement to complete your ballot paper in black. As stated at the point above, provided it is clear to the Returning Officer that you intended to vote for a particular candidate then your vote will be accepted.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot paper?

You can either cross out the mark on the ballot paper and vote for the candidate of your choice. Alternatively, you could ask the presiding Officer at the Polling Station for a replacement ballot paper in exchange for your spoilt ballot paper.

The rules about replacement postal ballot papers are different in that the elector will need to come to the Elections Office in person to receive their replacement ballot paper.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Elections Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 3036
0161 342 2187