Registering to Vote and Postal Voting

You need to register in order to be able to vote. If you aren't registered to vote, you won't have the chance to have a say on who represents you.

Some people also register to vote because they want to apply for credit. This is because credit reference agencies use the register to confirm where someone lives when they apply for credit, in order to counteract fraud.

Elections on 4 May 2023

The deadline for receiving applications for registration is Monday 17 April. 

The deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes, is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April.

The deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy or emergency proxies) is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

Completed postal votes must be received by the Returning Officer no later than 10pm on Thursday 4 May.   

Poll cards will be dispatched close to 24 March and postal votes will be dispatched close to 20 April. If the Parish/Town Council is contested in your area, please note you may receive two postal voting envelopes.

How do I register?

1. Go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
2. Fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details - you'll also need your National Insurance number, which you can find on your National Insurance card, or in official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax
3. Look out for a confirmation letter from your local electoral registration staff that says you're registered

How do I check if I'm already registered?

It's not possible to check online if you are registered to vote. If you need to check, please contact the Electoral Services Team.
 

How do I vote by post or proxy?

By post

Anyone can apply for a postal vote. You can find the application form and more information about voting by post on the GOV.UK website.

Please return your application to vote@westberks.gov.uk.

By proxy

Voting by proxy means getting someone to vote on your behalf. You may need to vote by proxy if, for example, you'll be on holiday, working, living or serving overseas on election day.

You can find the application form and more information about proxy voting on the GOV.UK website.

Please return your application to vote@westberks.gov.uk.
 

If you don't have access to the internet or can't use it, the electoral registration staff will be able to help you to register.