Everybody who is eligible to vote should receive a poll card two to three weeks before an election.
The card lists the date of the election, which polling station to use, and the hours of poll.
You do not need to take the card with you to be able to vote.
If you are unable to get to your polling station on election day, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy; polling cards are delivered before the deadline for applications for postal or proxy votes.
Methods of voting
Vote in person
At the polling station you will be asked for your name and address. When your details have been verified a mark will be made against the register to show that you have voted, and you will not be able to vote again in the same election.
Mark the ballot paper to indicate the candidate you wish to vote for. If you vote for more candidates than you are entitled to, your vote will not be counted.
Ask the presiding officer for a replacement ballot paper if you make a mistake. Your spoilt paper will be taken from you and will not be placed in the ballot box.
If you need help to mark your ballot paper you can ask the presiding officer to help you, or you can take a companion to the station with you. You must inform the presiding officer if you wish to do this, because they need to make a record of the number of votes not marked by the elector.
Vote by post
If you will be unable to attend a polling station on election day, you can apply for a postal vote. Postal votes can be permanent or just for a particular election.
You do not need to give a reason for applying for a postal vote a postal vote unless you want us to send your postal ballot to somewhere other than your main address.
Although we can send ballot papers to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you should bear in mind the length of time taken for post to travel in either direction.
Apply for a postal vote
To register to vote by post, download and complete the postal vote application form. Return your application to the Electoral Registration Officer at the Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ.
You are advised to complete and send in your application early: don't wait until the election date is known.
You will receive instructions on how to complete your postal vote with your ballot paper. You will also receive a pre-paid envelope to return the ballot paper unless you live outside the UK, in which case you will need to affix the local postage.
Please remember that postal votes must be returned by the close of poll on election day, so you will need to ensure that you post your vote back in good time.
You may if you wish deliver your postal vote to the Guildhall or, on polling day, deliver it to a polling station in your ward.
Vote by proxy
If you think you might not be able to vote in person on election day, it is possible to nominate someone to make your vote for you.
You can apply for a proxy vote if:
- you have a physical incapacity
- you live in a residential-care home or sheltered housing accommodation
- you are registered blind
- your employment or education makes it difficult to attend the polling station
- a journey by sea or air would be involved to attend the polling station
Apply for a proxy vote
To register to vote by proxy for a single election, download and complete the proxy vote application form. Return your application to the Electoral Registration Officer at the Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ.
If you wish to vote by proxy for an indefinite period, please email Electoral Services at elections@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 457048.
Your proxy must be eligible to vote in the type of election concerned, although they need not currently be registered as an elector.
Your proxy can apply to vote by post if it is not convenient for them to get to your polling station.
A person cannot vote as proxy for more than two voters, including yourself, unless they are the husband, wife, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the voter.
