Electoral Services FAQs

How do I register to vote?

You can make an application to register to vote on the Gov.uk website. Visit our register to vote page for more information. If you are a British citizen living overseas, visit our overseas elector page.

When are the next scheduled elections?

Information about the next scheduled elections can be found on our current elections webpage.

What are the different ways I can vote?

There are several ways that you can vote, as follows:

Voting in person

Once you are registered to vote, unless you make a postal or proxy application, you will need to vote at your polling station.

• To find out how voting in person works, visit our vote in person page.
• To find out where your polling station is, visit our where to vote page.
• To find out more about the requirement for voter ID, visit our voter ID page.
• To find out more about the accessibility of our polling stations, please visit our accessibility at polling stations page

Voting by post

If you do not wish to vote in person at your polling station, you can apply to vote by post.

Postal votes must be renewed every 3 years.

• To find out more about voting by post, visit our vote by post page.
• To find out more about renewing your postal vote, visit our postal vote renewal page.

Voting by proxy

If you are unable to vote in person at your polling station, you can make an application to vote by proxy.

Voting by proxy means that you nominate another registered elector to vote on your behalf.

There are different types of proxy applications, each with different qualification requirements. 

• To find out more about voting by proxy, visit our proxy voting page.

How can I change how I vote?

• To find out how you can cancel your postal vote, visit our vote by post page.
• To find out how you can cancel your proxy vote, visit our proxy voting page.

I have found out I am unable to attend my polling station, but the deadlines to apply for a postal and proxy vote have passed. What are my options?

If you are registered to vote in person, but found out after the postal and proxy vote deadlines that you will be unable to attend your polling station, you may be eligible to vote by emergency proxy. For information about applying to vote by emergency proxy, please see our proxy voting page.

I have moved house. How can I let you know?

If you have moved house, you will need to make a new application to register to vote. Visit our register to vote page for more information. You will also need to inform our Council Tax team of your move.

How can I check if I’m registered to vote?

Complete our online form, and a member of the Electoral Services team will respond, confirming your registration status.

Why does my credit reference report say I am not registered to vote?

Credit reference agencies, if they have paid for the service, are provided with copies of the full register on a monthly basis throughout the year. We have no control over how quickly or effectively they update their records and are unable to influence their decision making in any way. You can submit a request for a letter confirming your registration as an elector by completing our online form. Credit reference agencies may accept this letter as proof of your registration.

How can I remove someone from the electoral register at my property?

Complete our online form, and the Electoral Services team will begin the process of updating the electoral register.

How can I update my contact details?

Complete our online form, and a member of the Electoral Services team will update your contact details.

How can I change my name on the electoral register?

Complete our online form to inform us of a change of name. If you are unable to provide evidence of your name change you can make a new application to register to vote, ensuring that you provide your previous name on your application.

How can I update my preferences on the open register?

For more information about what the open register is, visit the Electoral Commission website. If you wish to change whether you are opted in or out of the open register, complete our online form, and a member of the Electoral Services team will update your preferences.

Why have I received an email / letter saying that my identity could not be verified? How can I submit proof of my identity?

When submitting your application you will have been asked to provide your National Insurance number. The information you provide when submitting your application is then sent to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to verify against their records. If the information you have provided does not match DWP records, the Electoral Services team are required to request for documentary evidence to verify your identity. See the list of acceptable documents (PDF.) Please do not send original documents in the post. You can return your proof of identity by email to: vote@wokingham.gov.uk, or by post to Freepost: RTKL-JXUU-TLUB, The Electoral Registration Officer, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1GY

How can I view the register of electors?

The register of electors can be viewed by appointment only and is organised by address, not in name order, so you will need to know the address you wish to view prior to your appointment. Appointments can be booked for a maximum period of 30 minutes. You can request an appointment by completing our online form.