Elections taking place in your area

• How will I know when an election is coming up in my area?

  If you are registered to vote, your local elections office will send you a poll card telling you when an election is happening and where and when you need to vote. You can find out if an election is coming up in your area by checking the ‘Make it local’ panel on this site – just enter your postcode.

• Can I vote in local government elections?

  You can vote in local government elections if you have registered to vote in time for the election and are:

  • a British citizen living in the UK
  • a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK
  • a citizen of the Irish Republic living in the UK
  • a European Union citizen living in the UK
  • registered to vote as a Crown Servant
  • registered to vote as a service voter

  
  

  To qualify Commonwealth citizens must live in the UK and either have leave to remain, or not require such leave.

  You cannot vote in local government elections if you are:

  • a British citizen living abroad and are registered as an overseas elector

  NB: 'Local elections' includes elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

• Where can I get info about candidates?

  There is no single source of candidate information, so you should visit candidate websites, party websites, or write to the party.

  For the Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in November 2012 the Home Office is setting up a website where you can get information about the candidates standing for election. Visit  www.choosemypcc.org.uk for more information.

• When is the next election in the UK?

  You can find out if an election is coming up in your area by checking the ‘Make it local’ panel on this site – just enter your postcode.

• How do I find out the names of my elected representatives?

  You can find out the name of your MP and other representatives by using the ‘Elected Representatives’ section of this website.

• Who is standing for election?

  You should contact your local elections office to find out who is standing.