Millions of voters across the country will go to the polls today to cast their ballot and elect their local representative. While some will vote on local issues like bin collection and planning permission, many will also have national matters like “Partygate” or the cost of living in mind.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer have already cast their ballots, and polling stations will be open until 10pm tonight. In today's election, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland are all voting.
If you are unsure where to vote, you can look up your local polling station using your postcode, as you must use the polling station that’s been assigned to you. You don’t need your poll card to vote – just your name and address.
READ MORE: Local elections LIVE: Updates from the North East's local elections 2022
Can you vote for someone else?
Voting on someone else’s behalf is known as proxy voting, and the full rules that govern it are available on the Gov.uk website.
In most circumstances, you would need to apply at least six working days before the election. However, it is possible to secure an emergency proxy vote if you “cannot vote in person because of your employment or a disability” and “became aware of this reason after the proxy deadline.”
If this applies to you, you can apply until 5 pm on election day:
- Apply to vote by emergency proxy due to employment
- Apply to vote by emergency proxy due to a disability
An “appropriate” person must be able to sign off on your form (such as your doctor or employer).
The Gov.uk site also states that anyone can be your proxy if they are registered to vote, can vote in the type of election that is taking place, and can vote in the polling station stated on your poll card.
Can you take a pen to vote?
If you would rather take your own pen to vote, this is allowed. Indeed, during the last local elections, it was encouraged in order to help combat the spread of Covid-19.
Do I need to take ID to vote in the local elections?
There is no requirement to take any form of ID with you, except in Northern Ireland.
The Gov.UK website states: "If you live in England, Wales or Scotland you do not need to bring any identification to vote. You will need to show photo ID to vote in Northern Ireland."
