Who is eligible to register to vote?
You must be aged 16 or over.
You can register to vote if you’re a British citizen or an Irish citizen.
You can also register if you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man - or you do not need permission - and you’re a:
- Commonwealth citizen
- citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain
- citizen of another EU country, if you have had permission to enter or stay - or not needed permission - since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break
You can register to vote from the age of 16 however you are not able to vote in Elections until you turn 18 years old.
How to register to vote?
You are required to register to vote whenever you move address.
Registering to vote is quick and simple. All you need to provide in order to make an application is your Date of Birth and your National Insurance Number. The easiest way to register to vote is online.
Alternatively we can send you a paper invitation to register upon request, you can email the office on elections@warwickdc.gov.uk and a member of our team will assist you.
Registering to vote anonymously
If you think that your name and address being on the electoral register could affect your personal safety, you can register to vote anonymously.
Anonymous registrations currently last for one year, and you must reapply each year. We will contact you approximately 3 months before the expiration of your registration to inform you of this requirement.
The Electoral Registration Officer will not disclose your details to anyone, unless they legally are required to do so. As an anonymously registered elector, you can still vote but your name and address will not be on the electoral register. This includes any printed register that is available for public inspection. Staff at the Polling Station will not have access to your name, address or any other personal identifying information.
How to register as an Anonymous Elector
- You will need to complete and return the relevant anonymous registration application form. This available online at the UK Government’s website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-to-vote-anonymously. Alternatively, please contact us and we can post a paper version.
- You will need to provide an explanation of why your safety, or the safety of someone in your household, would be at risk if your details were published on the electoral register.
- You will need to additionally provide evidence to support your registration application. This can be either:
A court document that is in place for your protection. For example, an injunction or restraining order granted under the relevant sections within the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The full list of court documents that can be used to support an application is available within the application form. The court document must be in force on the day of your application.
OR
An attestation from an authorised person who will countersign your application. For example, a Police Officer above the rank of Inspector, a manager of a refuge accommodation that supports those at risk of domestic abuse or violence. The full list of qualifying officers who can attest to an application is available on the application form.
How do I return my forms?
We can receive applications via the post or by email to elections@warwickdc.gov.uk. All applications received by post/email will be handled confidentially by colleagues trained in Data Protection regulations and council processes. Please do not send original documents via the postal system. We accept photocopies of original documents to support your application.
However, if you prefer, we can arrange for you to hand deliver your application and supporting documentation directly to an Elections Officer. This is by appointment only at our offices in Leamington or Warwick. For an appointment, please contact the Elections Team.
How do I vote as an anonymous elector?
Voting in person at your polling station
For your safety and to protect your identity, the process of voting in-person at your polling station is slightly different if you are registered anonymously. Anonymously registered voters should not provide polling station with their name and address. Instead, you will need to provide polling station staff with the below documents:
- Anonymous Elector’s Document
- Poll Card
The Anonymous Elector Document is issued by the Electoral Registration Officer and is the only acceptable photographic ID that can be used in a polling station. We will automatically provide you with the application form when confirming your registration. The document will feature your photograph, electoral number and the issue date. It will not feature your name or address. The poll card will similarly only contain your elector number and will not feature your name or address.
You do not need to give your name and address to vote, and the polling station staff should not ask for them. The polling station staff will read out your elector number when you show them your poll card. If you forget to take your poll card to the polling station, you will need to return later with your poll card.
If you have lost your poll card or never received it, you will need to contact the Returning Officer at your local council for a replacement. You will only be able to vote if the replacement is issued in time, and you’re able to get to the polling station with it before polls close at 10pm.
We advise that if you wish to vote in person, you apply as soon as possible in case we need to check any details with you.
Voting by post
If you wish to vote by post, please let us know and we will send the appropriate paper application. Please note, you cannot currently apply to vote by post online as an anonymously registered elector.
Voting by Proxy
A proxy vote is where someone you trust votes on your behalf. To apply for a proxy vote, please contact us for the appropriate paper application. Please note, you cannot currently apply online to vote by proxy as an anonymously registered elector. Your proxy may apply to vote by post on your behalf. Please note, that if your proxy applies to vote by post, you will not be able to vote in-person at the polling station.
Where can I get further information or guidance
For application forms and confidential guidance, please contact us at:
- Email us at Elections@warwickdc.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01926 456105
You can read more about anonymous registrations on the Electoral Commission’s website by following the link here: Register to vote anonymously | Electoral Commission
Women’s Aid is a registered charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. The charity has partnered with the Electoral Commission to produce helpful guidance for survivors of domestic abuse and refuge managers that supports registering to vote. The guidance can be accessed by visiting Right to Vote campaign - Women’s Aid.
Voter identification
From 4 May 2023, you will be required to show photographic identification at polling stations before you are given a ballot paper. Voter identification.
Students
Find out more about registering to vote if you're a student living away during term-time.