Voting

• How to vote
• Who can vote
• List of eligible countries

How to vote

Voting in person

There are 120 polling stations in the borough. These are usually in local schools or other community buildings. You will be allocated to vote at the polling station for the address where you are registered. You cannot vote at another polling station.

You can check where your polling station is located by using the online polling station finder, by calling the Electoral Services Office on 020 7364 0872 or by checking the details on your poll card.

• Poll card

Every registered elector will receive an Official Poll Card. The poll card shows when, where and how to vote. For electors voting in person, the poll card will also include a map showing the location of your polling station. The poll card is for information only but it will save you time if you take it to the polling station and show it to the election staff.  If you lose you poll card or forget to take to the polling station - you can still vote without it. Provided you are registered, simply give the poll clerk your name and address.

• At your polling station

Polling hours for all elections are from 7am to 10pm.

On arrival at your designated polling station, the poll clerk will ask you for your name and address and will confirm your details on the register. You will then be issued with your ballot paper(s). The ballot paper will contain a unique identifying mark.

When you are given your ballot paper(s), go to one of the polling booths. Mark a cross "X" in the box on the right hand side of the ballot paper opposite the name(s) of the candidate you wish to vote for.  Do not put any other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.

If you spoil your ballot paper by mistake, show it to the presiding officer or poll clerk and ask for a replacement.

Fold the marked ballot paper in half. Show the presiding officer the number and other unique identifying mark on the back of the ballot paper(s), but do not let anyone see your vote. Put the ballot paper(s) in the ballot box and leave the polling station.

Voting by post

If you are unable to vote in person you can apply for a postal vote. You can request a postal application form at any time of the year. The deadline for the receipt of postal vote application form is 11 working days before the day of an election. Find out how to vote by post. 

Voting by proxy

Proxy voting enables you to appoint a person to vote on your behalf. This is especially convenient if you are overseas and if it would be difficult to return your postal vote on time. Your proxy must be eligible to vote and they cannot vote on behalf of more than two people unless they are closely related to them. You proxy can vote on your behalf in two ways; by going to your polling station or by voting by post (known as postal proxy). Find out how to vote by proxy.

Instructions on how to complete a ballot paper:

• Step-by-step guide on how to complete a ballot paper at the polling station (pdf, 27kb)
• Step-by-step guide on how to complete a postal ballot paper (pdf, 34kb)

Who can vote

To vote at any election you must be at least 18 years old on the day of poll and must appear on the Register of Electors. See electoral registration on how to register

List of eligible countries

Commonwealth countries

 ^{1_{Citizens of Fiji and Zimbabwe retain voting rights even though the countries are no longer Commonwealth members.}}

British Overseas territories

British Crown Dependencies

European Union member states

Contact us

Electoral Services
Town Hall
Mulberry Place
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 2BG

Show map

Tel: 020 7364 0872
Fax: 020 7364 3758
Email: electoralservices@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Useful links 

• Help for voters
• Electoral registration forms.
• Registration FAQ