Vote in person

On polling day if you are registered, eligible and haven't arranged to Postal voting, you can vote in person at your polling station.

Your poll card/letter

We will send you a poll card/letter just before an election or referendum which will give you all the information you need to know. 

You can only vote at the polling station detailed on your card/letter.  You can still vote if you've lost your card/letter although bringing it with you will make this process a bit faster. 

When an election is called if you have not received a card/letter but think you should, contact us via the details at the bottom of this page. 

When you can vote

Voting happens on a specific day which will be published on our website and will also be on your poll card/letter. This is known as polling day. 

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on the day of an election. 

When you get to the polling station

Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive. You will be able to recognise our staff as they will be wearing New Forest Elections lanyards. 

There may be more than one polling station operating in the same room, staff will be able to direct you to the right issue desk. 

You do not have to have your poll card/letter with you but it is helpful to show to staff as it will speed up finding your name on our register of electors. 

You'll need to show your photo ID to confirm your identity, if you would like to do this in private for any reason, just ask. 

If you need any extra support, perhaps because it is your first time voting, you haven't voted for a long time or you are someone with a disability please speak to a member of staff about how they are able to assist you. 

You'll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties or options you can vote for, our staff are unable to provide any information about any candidates. 

Filling in your ballot paper

You will be directed to a polling booth were you can cast your vote in private. There will be a notice within the booth to tell you how to vote and how many candidates you can vote for which may be more than one. 

This information will also be on the top of the ballot paper. 

We will provide pencils, however you can make your mark(s) using your own pen or pencil if you prefer. 

Make your mark(s) and fold your ballot paper once in half. 

Casting your vote

You will now need to place your ballot paper in the ballot box. 

Take care if you are visiting one of our double polling stations that your paper must go in the right ballot box, staff will be able to show you. 

Post your ballot paper through the slot on the top of the box to cast your vote.