In just a few days time, Swindonians will be heading to the polls for the first December general election since 1923.
So now you are registered to vote how do you make sure your voice is heard and your vote is counted?
What time do the polling stations open in Swindon?
Polling stations throughout Swindon and the rest of the UK will open and close at exactly the same time – opening at 7am, and then closing at 10pm.
I am at work what if I cannot make it?
Oh come on, with a 15 hour window to vote you should have ample time to get down to your polling station to cast your ballot.
OK, sometimes life gets in the way or emergencies happen and you could end up rushing to make your vote so what happens if you’re late?
According to the Electoral Commission “polling must close at 10pm,” however there is a sentence in the guidelines that will allow you to cast your vote as long as you are present at the polling station on or before 10pm. “any eligible electors who at 10pm are in a queue at their polling station for the purposes of voting (whether that queue is inside or continues on outside the station) must be allowed to vote.”
If you are not at your nominated polling station by 10pm you unfortunately cannot cast your vote and you should maybe look to register for a postal vote for future elections.
Where is my local polling station?
Swindon Borough Council would have sent you a poll card in the post. If you haven’t received your poll card yet, get in touch with the Electoral team at SBC here. Don’t leave it until the last minute as they will be busy.
On the polling card you will have the information on which polling station you should visit. You can only vote at the location stated on your card.
You can find out your local polling station here by typing your postcode into the Electoral Commission’s search function. The polling station is likely to be a public building, such as a school or community hall and will be close to where you live.
What do I need to take with me?
You do not need your polling card to cast your vote, you will just need to give the staff your name and address. You will be given a ballot paper where you select the parliamentary candidate you want to win.
I forgot to register, can I still vote?
If you’re not registered, then you cannot vote on 12th December because the deadline has already passed.
