Different ways to vote

From 4 May 2023, voters at polling stations must show photo identification (ID) before they can vote. This also applies to a proxy voting on someone’s behalf.  People voting by post do not need to provide ID. Please visit our Voter ID page for more information.

New postal vote and proxy vote application forms must be used from 31 October 2023 - see below for more information about postal voting and proxy voting.

Voting in person at a polling station

If you are registered to vote we will send you a poll card as soon as possible after an election is announced. The poll card will confirm: 

• your details on the electoral register;
• the date of polling day; and
• which polling station you can vote at on polling day.

However, at some parish or town council by-elections, that council may decide that they do not want poll cards issued.

Please note. If you change your registration details during the election period, this may affect your entitlement to vote at the election. The poll card may no longer be valid.

From 4 May 2023, you must show photo identification (ID) before you can vote at a polling station. If you arrive at the polling station without valid ID, you will be asked to come back later with your ID. Please visit our Voter ID page for more information.

You can take your own pencil or pen with you to vote if you want to, but if you don't, a pencil will be provided.

You can view a map of the polling districts in Cornwall using our online mapping system.

When you get to the polling station:

• Give the poll clerk your name and address.
• Show your voter ID document to the poll clerk.
• They will check that you are registered to vote and check your photo ID. They will give you your ballot paper.
• You will be given one ballot paper.
• Choose the candidate you want to vote for and mark the ballot paper next to their name with an X in their box on the right hand side of the paper.
• Your ballot paper will say at the top how many candidates you can vote for. In most elections you will only be voting for one candidate, but check your ballot paper carefully.
• If you make a mistake or spoil your paper, you can take it back to the presiding officer and ask for another.
• When you have marked your vote, fold the ballot paper then put it in the ballot box and leave the polling station.

Postal voting

Proxy voting

New proxy vote application forms must be used from 31 October 2023. You can now apply online to vote by proxy.

All proxy vote applications received on or after 31 October must contain a National Insurance Number (NINo), or a reason if one is not provided.

Applications on old forms will not be accepted after 30 October 2023. 

Voting by proxy means you appoint someone to vote for you at your polling station. You will need to tell your proxy which candidate(s) you wish to vote for.

Your proxy will normally be required to vote in person at your local polling station in the area where you are registered to vote.

For more information, please go to our proxy voting page.

Supporting vulnerable people to vote

Registering to vote

You can help someone with a physical disability who cannot write or type. You can type for them as long as they are present and can communicate that the information provided on the application is true.

Applications ask for the individuals date of birth and National Insurance number. You may need to make extra effort to obtain this information. For example, you may need to speak to a relative to obtain it.

Voting by post

If a person is applying to vote by post, or already votes by post, and is unable to sign or to provide a signature in a consistent way, they can apply for a ‘signature waiver’ by contacting our Electoral Services team.

Voting at a polling station

If you need help to cast your vote, you can take a companion with you to assist you or you can ask the presiding officer for help.

From 4 May 2023, you must show photo identification (ID) before you can vote at a polling station. If you arrive at the polling station without valid ID, you will be asked to come back later with your ID. Please visit our Voter ID page for more information.

There will be large print versions of the ballot paper on display at the polling station. A ‘tactile’ voting device will also be available to help blind and partially sighted voters complete their ballot paper at all polling stations.

If voters require support, the presiding officer can read out the candidates’ names and help the voter mark the ballot paper.

Other assistance may also be available as a result of changes made by the Elections Act 2022.