How do I register to vote? - UK Parliament How do I register to vote? Referendums in the UK How do I register to vote? You need to register before you can vote in UK elections. The different ways you can register to vote are listed below. Registering in England, Scotland and Wales Register online You will need your National Insurance number (if you have one). Register by post Who can register to vote? You can register to vote if you are: 16 years old or over (but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old) A British citizen An Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen who is resident in the UK Citizens of the European Union who are not Commonwealth citizens can vote in European and local elections in the UK, but are not able to vote in UK general elections. Overseas and service voters About My Vote: Armed Forces (external site) When can I register to vote? You can register to vote , or change your address on the electoral register, at any time throughout the year. However, if you are seeking to vote in a specific election there will be a deadline by which you must have registered that will be determined by when that election is to be held. Am I already registered to vote?

To find out whether or not you are registered to vote, you need to contact your Electoral Registration Officer. You can find their details by entering your postcode on the About My Vote website . Further information More information on how to register to vote can be found on the Electoral Commission website or the About My Vote website . Image: iStock Electoral Commission The Electoral Commission is an independent body, accountable directly to the UK Parliament, that regulates elections in the UK, promotes voter awareness and works to build confidence in the electoral process. Parliament is not responsible for the content of external websites. Video: how the General Election works in nearly 60 seconds Watch video on YouTube Living Heritage Before 1918 no women were allowed to vote in parliamentary elections. Discover how the right to vote was extended to different sectors of society over the years. Electoral Commission | Who is eligible to vote at a UK general election? Who is eligible to vote at a UK general election? Who is eligible to vote at a UK general election? In England, Scotland or Wales, you can register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote .

In Northern Ireland, visit our Register to vote in Northern Ireland page to download a registration form .To vote in a UK general election a person must be registered to vote and also 18 or over be a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote Additionally, the following cannot vote in a UK general election: members of the House of Lords (although they can vote at elections to local authorities, devolved legislatures and the European Parliament) EU citizens resident in the UK (although they can vote at elections to local authorities, devolved legislatures and the European Parliament) anyone other than British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens convicted persons detained in pursuance of their sentences (though remand prisoners, unconvicted prisoners and civil prisoners can vote if they are on the electoral register) anyone found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election Ways of voting - GOV.UK GOV.UK You must register to vote before you can vote in UK elections or referendums.

You can register to vote when you’re: 16 years old in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and vote when you’re 18) 14 years old in Scotland (and vote in Scottish elections when you’re 16 and other elections when you’re 18) After you’ve registered, your name and address will appear on the electoral register . Ways to vote Bolsover District Council - Voting and Elections Voting and Elections You are here: Your Council Voting and Elections Voting and Elections There are several types of elections that have an impact upon local government. These are Local government elections (parish, district, county); Parliamentary (General) elections and European Parliament elections To vote in any type of election you must be registered to vote. We understand that there have been messages put on social media saying that people need to re-register to vote. This is not the case. If you have already registered to vote for the elections, then you do not need to re-register. If you are unsure please telephone 01246 242422.

2015&nbspParliamentary,&nbspDistrict&nbspand&nbspParish&nbspElections On Thursday 7th May 2015, elections were held to elect the Member of Parliament for the Bolsover Constituency and also for your local District and Parish Councillors. The results for the various elections have been declared and posted here. Notice of Poll - District and Parish Elections (410kb) FAQ's Question- In terms of personal expenses of the candidates, do these include the candidates mileage for campaigning mileage? If so at what rate? Should the HMRC rate of 45p be used? This is in relation to both Parliamentary and Local candidates. Answer - The costs of petrol will be a personal expense if used for the candidate’s travel. We don’t offer a figure – candidates should make an honest assessment of what’s fair according to how much travelling they do and what they pay. Question - In relation to uncontested Local elections, should the candidates submit a nil return? Answer - All candidates need to provide a return even if it’s a nil one. To make sure you are eligible to vote you must be registered on the electoral roll.

To check if you are registered, please contact the Elections Team on 01246 242424. You are not automatically registered to vote because you pay Council Tax, you must have made a separate application to be included on the register. Annual&nbspCanvass&nbsp2016 The annual canvass for the register of electors commenced on 19 July with household enquiry forms being posted to every property in the District. Our canvassers will now be visiting non-responding households to collect this information from this weekend (26 August). All canvassers appointed by us have been issued with a formal identity card and have been instructed to show this to anyone they visit, the public should also be advised to check this before supplying any information or letting anyone into their homes. We would be very grateful if you would please complete these forms. Each year from about mid July every household in Bolsover District will receive a Household Enquiry form, which is also known as the annual canvass. The information we gather from this enables us to produce the new electoral register and ensures that everyone who should be entitled to vote can do so.

If you are not included on the electoral roll you will not be able to vote so it is important that you provide us with up to date information on the occupants of your address. You can't vote until you reach the age of 18 but any 16 or 17 year olds in your household should be included on the form. You should not include any children under the age of 16. All of the major credit checking agencies use the electoral roll to verify your details when you apply for a mortgage, loan or other credit agreement. If you are not on the electoral roll you are likely to have problems in obtaining any form of credit. When you receive your Household Enquiry Form, please check this carefully to ensure it is correct and advise us of any changes that need to be made. The form will include details of the various ways of how you can do this. Please respond without delay as this will mean we need to send out fewer reminders which will help us to keep costs down. EU&nbspReferendum Bolsover District EU Referendum result The Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union took place on 23rd June 2016.

The results are as follows: Total number of ballot papers counted = 41,999 The number of votes cast in favour of REMAIN = 12,242 The number of votes cast in favour of LEAVE = 29,730 The total number of ballot papers rejected = 27 Individual&nbspElectoral&nbspRegistration (IER) Individual Electoral Registration (IER) The electoral registration system in Great Britain changed from 10 June 2014. The new system is called Individual Electoral Registration (or IER). 1. What is individual electoral registration? Previously, the head of the household was responsible for registering everyone who lived at the address. Since 10 June 2014, every individual is responsible for their own voter registration. 2. What is different about the new system? As well as individuals taking responsibility for their own registration, the other difference is that people need to provide a few more details about themselves to register. These are date of birth and national insurance number. You can find your national insurance number on your national insurance number card, payslips or letters regarding benefits, tax credits or pensions.

If you don't know your national insurance number, you can contact Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and they will send you your national insurance number through the post. You can contact them via or on their telephone helpline 0300 200 3502. 3. Why has the system changed? Individual Electoral Registration gives you the right and responsibility to register yourself, instead of giving the responsibility to the head of the household. It encourages people to take individual responsibility for their own vote. The change also allows more convenient methods of registration, for example, online registration. Because the new system asks you for your national insurance number and date of birth before you are added to the register, the electoral register is more secure and more resistant to threats of electoral fraud. 4. How can I find out more about IER? You can also find out more information at , and . 5. How do I register? You can register on line at or contact us for a registration form on 01246242424. 6. What is the Electoral Register? The electoral register includes the name and address of every person in the district who is registered to vote.

There are two versions of the register: The full register - lists everyone who is registered to vote. This version of the register is used for electoral purposes, crime prevention and detection (including fraud), credit checking and jury service selection. It is unlawful for the full register to be used for any other purpose than those outlined in law and can be inspected at the Council's Offices under supervision of staff. The open register - can be bought by any person or organisation for purposes such as direct marketing. Your details will be included on this version of the register unless you tell us that you wish to opt out. You can do this by contacting us on 01246 242424 or by ticking the appropriate box on your paper or online application form. This is also an individual responsibility so you cannot do this on someone else's behalf. Local&nbspby&nbspelections Results and notices in respect of local by elections in Bolsover District are highlighted below: Clowne Parish Council (South Ward) - 16th February 2017 A vacancy for a Parish Councillor has arisen at Clowne Parish Council (South Ward). Forms of Nomination are available from the Returning Officer, The Arc, High Street, Clowne.

Should there be a contest, the election will be held on Thursday 16th February 2017. Further details are available on the Notice of Election (13kb) Ault Hucknall Parish Council - 3rd November 2016 Due to the resignation of a Councillor, a vacancy arose in the office of councillor for the Parish Council. Only one nomination for the casual vacancy on Ault Hucknall Parish was received so it is an uncontested election (7kb). Parish Council Vacancy - Scarcliffe Parish (South Ward) As no valid request to hold an election was received by the deadline the vacancy will be filled by co-option. Please contact the clerk to Scarcliffe Parish Council for further information. Parish Council Vacancy - Hodthorpe and Belph Parish As no valid request to hold an election was received by the deadline the vacancy will be filled by co-option. Please contact the clerk to Hodthorpe and Belph Parish Council for further information.

Parish Council Election - South Normanton Parish Council (West Ward) - 18th February 2016 An election was held on 18th February 2016 for the West Ward of South Normanton Parish Council. John Michael Brough was duly elected. The full details of the number of votes cast is available on the Declaration of Results Poll Parish Council Vacancy - Pinxton (Broadmeadows Ward) As no valid request to hold an election was received by the deadline the vacancy will be filled by co-option. Please contact the clerk to Pinxton Parish Council for further information. Parish Council Vacancy - Barlborough Parish Council As no valid request to hold an election was received by the deadline the vacancy will be filled by co-option. Please contact the clerk to Barlborough Parish Council for further information. Parish Council Election – Shirebrook Parish Council (South East Ward) - 7th January 2016 An election was held to fill a casual vacancy for the Shirebrook Parish Council on 7th January 2016. Jane Elizabeth Yates was duly elected.

The full details of the number of votes cast is available on the Declaration of Result of Poll Parish Council Election - Whitwell Parish - 15th October 2015 An election was held to fill a casual vacancy for the Whitwell Parish Council on 15th October 2015. Sharlene Wale was duly elected. The full details of the number of votes cast is available on the Declaration of Result of Poll . (14 kb) District Council Election - Bolsover South Ward - 8th October 2015 An election was held to fill a casual vacancy for the Bolsover South Ward on 8th October 2015. Patricia Ann Cooper was duly elected. The full details of the number of votes cast is available on the Declaration of Result of Poll . (15 kb) Parish Council Election - Old Bolsover Town Council (East Ward) - 8th October 2015 An election was held to fill a casual vacancy for the East Ward of Old Bolsover Town Council on 8th October. Michele Gray Longden was duly elected. The full details of the number of votes cast is available on the Declaration of Result of Poll .

(14 kb) Parish Council Election - Tibshelf Parish Council - 1st October 2015 As only one valid nomination was received by the prescribed deadline for submission of nomination papers and close of withdrawals (4pm of Friday 4th September 2015), for the vacancy on Tibshelf Parish Council, Mike Coupe was duly elected uncontested. Further details are available on the Notice of Uncontested Election (11 kb) and Return of Result of Uncontested Election (12kb). Pinxton Parish Council - Pinxton Ward Pinxton Parish Council - Broadmeadows Ward As no valid request to hold an election was received by the deadline the vacancies in Pinxton Ward (9kb) and Broadmeadows Ward (10kb) were filled by co-option. Please contact the clerk to Pinxton Parish Council for further information. District Council Election - Bolsover North West Ward An election was held on Thursday 8 January 2015 for the above ward. Labour candidate Susan Statter was elected. The results can be seen in the declaration of poll result (306kb).

Old Bolsover Town Council Election - Bolsover North West Ward An election was held on Thursday 8 January 2015 for the above ward. Independent candidate Chris Christopher was elected. The results can be seen in the declar ation of poll result (15kb). Police &&nbspCrime&nbspCommissioner&nbspElection Police and Crime Commissioner Election Local Results Elections for a Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) took place Thursday 5th of May 2016. The verification and count process for Bolsover District is complete. Visit the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner website and Derby City Council website for further information about the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Registration and Absent Voting Arrangements for this Election The last date for applications to register in time to vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner election was Monday 18th April 2016. If you were not registered on the electoral roll at this date you will not be able to vote in this election. You can still register at any time by going online at or requesting an application form at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Postal voting applications must have been received by 5pm on Tuesday 19th April and proxy applications by 5pm on Tuesday 26th April. The first issue of postal votes will be sent out around 19th April, however if you applied for your postal vote after 7th April (the date we had to send our data to our printers), yours will be sent out in the second issue. The second issuse is processed after the deadline for applications has passed and will be posted out around 25th or 26th April. You should bear this in mind when you consider which absent voting arrangements to put in place as it may be more appropriate for you to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. Polling&nbspDistricts&nbspand&nbspPlaces&nbspReview To comply with the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 (as amended), every council in England and Wales must undertake a review of all of the polling districts and polling places in its area by Monday 31 January 2015, with our review (151kb).

Our review commenced on Monday 4 November 2013 and concluded on 2nd January 2014. Electors, councillors and organisations/individuals with a particular expertise or interest were invited to comment on the proposed arrangements. The revised arrangements (35kb) which were agreed at Council on Thursday 16th January 2014 have now been published which took account of observations and comments received as part of the review. A schedule of the current arrangements can be inspected here, along with the consultation document (216kb). It can also be viewed at the Council Offices in Clowne or Contact Centres in Bolsover, Shirebrook and South Normanton. Amendments to the schedule (17kb) made under Delegated Powers have now been published. Further Amendments made in 2015/16 . Maps showing the current ward boundaries. Disclaimer These maps are for viewing only as they contain data supplied by Ordnance Survey and are therefore protected by copyright law.

Use of this data is subject to terms and conditions: i) You are granted a non-exclusive, royalty free, revocable licence solely to view the Licensed Data for non-commercial purposes for the period during which Bolsover District Council makes it available; ii) You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute, sell or otherwise make available the Licensed data to third parties in any form. By opening the .pdf maps you are agreeing to the terms and conditions. Standing&nbspAs&nbspA&nbspCandidate Prior to any election, prospective candidates must meet certain criteria before they are allowed to stand as a candidate. Local election candidates To qualify as a candidate for local elections you must: Be a British or Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a citizen of the European Union. Be 18 years of age or more on the date of nomination Not be disqualified from holding office Candidates also have to meet one or more of the following criteria: They must be included on the electoral register and be a local government elector for the area on the date of nominations and thereafter. They must have occupied, as owner or tenant, any land or other premises in the area during the twelve months prior to nominations.

Their principal or only place of work must have been in the area for the previous twelve months. They must have resided in the area for the whole of the previous twelve months. For parish elections, they must have resided in the area, or within three miles of the area for the whole of the previous twelve months. A candidate for all local elections must complete a nomination paper in order to stand for election. The nomination paper has to be signed by the requisite number of electors who live within the electoral ward, parish or division and must be returned by the statutory deadline together with the candidate’s consent to nomination. Although most candidates are nominated through a political party, individuals can stand for election in their own right. Candidates must submit a return of expenses detailing expenditure on items such as advertising, transport and attending public meetings. Parliamentary and European Parliamentary candidates To qualify as a candidate for UK Parliamentary elections you must: Be a British or Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. Be 18 years of age or more on the date of nomination Not be disqualified from holding office A candidate for a UK Parliamentary election must complete a nomination paper in order to stand for election. The nomination paper has to be signed by ten electors of the constituency.

Candidates also have to submit a deposit of £500 which will be refunded only if the candidate receives more than 5% of the total votes cast in the election. The same qualifications apply for European Parliamentary elections as for a UK Parliamentary election with the addition that the candidate has to be a citizen of a country within the European Union. There is no requirement for a nomination paper to be submitted for these elections but a £5000 deposit is required which is refunded only if the candidate receives more than 2.5% of the total votes cast for the electoral region. Voting in European Parliamentary elections is based on proportional representation. For all other elections it is a first past the post system. A person becomes a candidate at an election on the day on which they submit a valid nomination paper / their paper is declared valid. If a person makes it known in advance of the election that they are going to be a candidate, they will become a candidate on the last day for publication of the notice of election. Voting In order to vote in UK elections and referendums, you need to apply to have your name included on the electoral register . This is known as registering to vote.

It is a legal requirement to supply the required information under the Representation of the People Regulations (2001). If you are not registered you will not be able to vote at any election. You are not automatically registered even if you pay Council Tax. You can register to vote if you are 16 years old or over, and a British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen. If you are 16 or 17, you can register now but you are not allowed to vote until you are 18. The simplest way to register is by going online at . It only takes a few minutes to register but you will need to have your National Insurance number to hand as you won't be able to complete your application without it. Elections in 2017 Voting procedures - Citizens Advice This advice applies to England. Change country Voting procedures Challenging the outcome of an election Registering to vote You can now register to vote online . You'll need your national insurance number (if you have one) to register, and it only takes about five minutes.

To be included on the electoral register, you must: be aged 18 or over, but see below be aged 15 years old or over (and in some cases 14 years old) in Scotland must have one of the types of citizenship listed below be living in the constituency in which you wish to vote - see below. If you’re a British citizen living overseas, see below not be a person who is excluded from voting - see below. Age In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, if you are going to be 18 during the twelve month period after the register is published, you should be entered on the register so that you will be able to vote as soon as you become 18. Your date of birth must be given on the electoral registration form. In Scotland, you can register to vote if you are 15 years old or over (and in some cases 14 years old). From 2016, you will be eligible to vote in Scottish Parliament and Scottish local government elections once you are 16. You will be eligible to vote in UK and European elections once you are 18.

Citizenship The following people can register to vote in European parliamentary, British parliamentary elections (this means general and by-elections) and local government elections: British citizens (but see below if you’re a British citizen living abroad) citizens of the Republic of Ireland who are living in the UK British Overseas Territories citizens who are living in the UK Commonwealth citizens who are living in the UK. If you're a Commonwealth citizen or British Overseas Territories citizen who wishes to register to vote, you must either: have leave to enter or remain in the UK; or be someone who does not need leave to enter or remain in the UK. British citizens living overseas can register and vote in European and British parliamentary elections but not elections to the Scottish Parliament or local elections. If you've been living abroad for over 15 years, you might lose this right. Gibraltar nationals can vote only in European parliamentary elections in the UK. If you are not sure what type of citizenship you have, or whether or not you are eligible to vote, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB .

EU citizens European Union (EU) citizens have the right to vote in: European parliamentary elections Scottish Parliamentary elections, if they live in Scotland National Assembly for Wales elections, if they live in Wales Northern Ireland Assembly elections, if they live in Northern Ireland. European nationals who are not EU citizens do not have a right to vote in these elections. EU citizens cannot vote in British parliamentary elections. For European parliamentary elections, EU citizens can vote either in their 'home' country, or the EU country in which they are currently living. They cannot vote in both. To be eligible to vote in British local government elections, EU citizens must be included on the electoral register for the constituency in which they vote - see under heading How is the electoral register compiled . Residency To register to vote or declare a local connection, you must be resident in the constituency on the date on which you make the application to register (see under heading Special arrangements for specific groups when registering to vote ). If you are temporarily away from home, for example, if you are studying away from home, you can still vote or declare a local connection in the constituency where you usually live.

There are some exceptions to this rule, for example, people who live abroad, some homeless people, remand prisoners and people in psychiatric hospitals – but see below for a fuller explanation. Who cannot vote The following people are not eligible to vote:- anyone who is not on the electoral register on polling day people from abroad, (other than EU citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland and qualifying Commonwealth citizens who are resident in the UK - see above) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, people aged under 18 cannot vote in Scotland, people under 16 cannot vote in Scottish Parliament or Scottish local government elections and people under 18 cannot vote in UK General elections or European elections. most sentenced prisoners. However, the European Court of Human Rights has decided that this may breach human rights. A prisoner who is not able to vote should get specialist advice. people who are detained in a psychiatric hospital as a consequence of criminal activity certain people convicted of corrupt or illegal electoral practices peers of the realm who remain members of the House of Lords (for British parliamentary elections only) people who have a severe mental illness and are unable to understand the voting procedure.

If you are not sure if you are entitled to vote you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB . Overseas voters If you live abroad, have been resident in the United Kingdom, and have been registered as a United Kingdom resident elector within the previous 15 years, you can make an annual declaration. This will allow you to be included each year on the electoral register in the constituency where you were last registered before you went abroad. Registration as an overseas voter is voluntary. Once registered, you can vote at any parliamentary or European parliament election which occurs while you are on the register. You cannot vote in local government elections or in elections to devolved assemblies, for example, the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Parliament or the Northern Ireland Assembly. If you are now old enough to be included on the register, but you were too young to be included when you left the United Kingdom, you can also make an annual declaration, provided you have lived in the United Kingdom within the last 15 years and your parent or guardian had been included on the electoral register.

Anyone who is eligible, and who wishes to register as an overseas elector, must complete the necessary forms, normally available from British consulates and diplomatic posts, or you can download them from the Electoral Commission's website at . You must return the completed forms to the electoral registration officer for the constituency in which you were last registered. You must do this annually. The first time the declaration is made, you must give details of your British citizenship (which is the only type of citizenship - see under heading Can you register to vote - that counts to be an overseas voter). You will get a reminder from the registration officer (the chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) to renew your overseas elector declaration. Special arrangements for specific groups when registering to vote There are special arrangements for some groups of people when registering to vote. These groups are:- homeless people (including some travellers) - see below patients in psychiatric hospitals (other than those detained as a consequence of criminal activity) - see below people remanded in custody - see below people resident in more than one constituency - see below. Declaration of local connection A declaration of local connection (declaration) may be made by homeless people, patients in psychiatric hospitals and remand prisoners.

This should be used if you are in one of the above groups and do not fulfil the usual residence requirements (see under heading Can you register to vote ), but are otherwise entitled to register to vote. The declaration must:- give your name; and provide an address for correspondence to be sent to, or an undertaking to collect such correspondence from the electoral registration office; and give the date of the declaration; and state that you fall into one of the categories that are allowed to make a declaration and state the relevant category that applies to you; and state that you fulfil the nationality requirements (see under heading Can you register to vote ); and state that you are 18 years old or, if you are not, give your date of birth (see under heading Can you register to vote ). If you enter more than one address, or submit more than one declaration bearing the same date and different addresses, the declaration(s) will be void. You may cancel a declaration at any time. A declaration enables you to apply to register to vote. You must submit the declaration to the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) within three months of the date on the declaration and you will be treated as being resident at the address you have given.

This registration will be valid for twelve months unless cancelled or superseded. Homeless people If you are homeless, you should make a declaration giving the address of a place where you spend a substantial part of your time, or the address of somewhere near to that place. This could include a cafe or drop-in centre. A traveller who is not on a settled site may be able to make a declaration. Patients in psychiatric hospitals People detained in a psychiatric hospital as a consequence of criminal activity are not entitled to vote (see under heading Can you register to vote ). If you are a short-term patient in a psychiatric hospital you can register to vote by completing the usual electoral registration form - see below. You should give your usual address outside the hospital as your place of residence. If you are a short-term patient with no address outside the hospital and are concerned you may not be entered on the electoral register, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB . If you are a long-term patient in a psychiatric hospital when a new electoral register is being drawn up, you are entitled to register to vote. You can register at your address outside the hospital.

Alternatively, you can register at the address of the hospital if the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) considers that you have been, or will be, in the hospital for a long enough period of time for it to be regarded as the your place of residence. If you do not wish to use your home address or the hospital's address, you can make a declaration of local connection - see above. The declaration must give both the name of the psychiatric hospital and the address where you would be living if you were not in the hospital. If you cannot provide your most recent home address, you should provide an address in the United Kingdom where you have lived at any time. If you are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (in Scotland, the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and, in Northern Ireland, the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986) you may not vote in person, but must instead vote by post (see under heading How to vote ) or proxy (see under heading How to vote ).

People remanded in custody The only prisoners who are entitled to vote are those detained on remand (whether in prison or in hospital) and those convicted but not yet sentenced (see under heading Can you register to vote ). You can register at your address outside the prison. Alternatively, you can register at the address of the prison if the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) considers that you have been, or will be, on remand in the prison for a long enough period of time for it to be regarded as your place of residence. If you do not wish to use your home address or the prison's address, you can make a declaration of local connection - see above. The declaration must give both the name of the prison and the address where you would be living if you were not in the prison. If you cannot provide your most recent home address, you should provide an address in the United Kingdom where you have lived at any time. People resident in more than one constituency Your position if you have more than one home is complex. Your rights to be included on the register and vote in a particular constituency depend on your circumstances. It will be necessary to consult the electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) in this situation.

You can be entered on more than one electoral register if you are resident in more than one constituency. For example, if you are a student you may be registered at one address by your parent/guardian and may also register yourself at your college/university town if you are living away from home. However, in some situations, you may be prevented by the electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) from registering in two places. For example, if you have a holiday home but spend only a few days there each year, you may not be considered to be 'resident' there. However, if you spend most weekends there, the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) may well consider you are eligible to be included in the register. If you wish to appeal against a decision to exclude you from the register, you should follow the correct procedure (see under heading How is the electoral role register compiled ). Although it is not illegal to be registered in more than one place, it is illegal to vote twice in the same election, for example, a parliamentary general election. However, you can vote in elections for two separate local councils.

If you are not in the constituency where you wish to vote on polling day and wish to apply for a proxy vote, you must satisfy the registration officer that you are eligible (see under heading How to vote ). If a proxy vote is refused, there is a right of appeal in the county court (sheriff court in Scotland). You can vote by post without having to meet any specific criteria (see under heading How to vote ). How is the electoral register compiled The electoral register is compiled annually but amended throughout the year. Every local authority has an electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) who is in charge of the process. Individual Electoral Registration The way that you register to vote is changing with the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER). In England and Wales, from 10 June 2014 and in Scotland from 19 September 2014, if you are eligible to vote, you now have to register the details yourself if: you are a new voter, or the details held about you on the current electoral register don’t match with details held on the Department for Work and Pensions database.

This is a change from the former system where one person registered everyone eligible to vote in the household on a registration card which was sent back to the local Electoral Registration Office. To prepare for the move to IER, electoral registration officers (EROs) will have written to voters who are already on the current electoral register by 10 August 2014 in England and Wales and by 31 December 2014 in Scotland, to tell them about the changes. They will check the birthdate and National Insurance numbers of people who are already on the current electoral register against the information on the DWP database. If your details match, you will be transferred automatically to IER and there will be no need to do anything. Where there isn’t a match or only some of the details match, the ERO is also able to look at other databases, such as council tax records to confirm your identity. If they are unable to confirm the match through other databases, you will have to register to vote yourself. Nobody will be taken off the current electoral register until after the next General Election on May 7 2015. It's against the law to give false information on the electoral registration form, or on any other document about voting.

If the registration officer asks you for more information, you must give it. If you fail to do so, this is also against the law. You can get more information about registering to vote from the Electoral Commission's website at . From the information you provide, the electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) compiles a register. This is open for inspection all year round at local council offices and other public places, for example, main post offices and libraries. You can apply to be added to the register or to have your details amended on the register at any time throughout the year, although, when an election is held, registration applications must be received between two to four weeks before polling day, depending on the election timetable. The registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) will either publish notices setting out changes to the register or publish a revised version of the register at any point in the year. Your registration should take no longer than six to eight weeks, except during the period when new registration details are being collected, usually between October and March, when an unregistered person might have to wait up to fifteen weeks before being added to the register.

Can you register anonymously You can register anonymously, but only if you feel at risk, for example, from an ex-partner. Otherwise, failure to provide information to the registration staff or to complete the registration form or to give false information may result in you being prosecuted and fined. You have not been included in the register If you consider you are eligible to register, but have not been included in the register, you can now register online to vote at GOV.UK You can also register by post by downloading the Individual Registration Form , completing the form and sending it back to the Electoral Registration Officer at your local council. You can also get a form from the electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) at your local council. Alternatively, you can apply in a letter containing all relevant information. You can make the application or you can ask someone else to do it on your behalf. All additions to, and deletions from, the register are issued by the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) in a public notice. You can object to any amendment to the register - see below.

If the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) decides to allow your application, your name will be entered on the electoral register with effect from the day the notice is published. However, if your name is added to the register after the close of nomination of candidates, you will not be able to vote in that particular election. You should therefore make sure you register to vote at least 12 working days before the date of the election in which you want to vote. If the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) decides not to allow an application, you will be notified of the decision and the grounds on which it was made. You then have three days from the date of receiving this notice in which to ask for a hearing - see below. How to object to an inclusion in the register You may wish to object to the inclusion of your name, or someone else's name, in the register, for example, because you believe they are no longer resident in the constituency or are not entitled to vote. You can also object to the inclusion of your details in copies of the register which are sold to commercial organisations. If you wish to object you should contact the electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) and put your objections in writing.

The local authority may have a standard form that you can fill in. Any person on the electoral register (not necessarily in the same constituency) may make such an objection. If the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) decides to disallow your objection immediately, you will be notified of the decision and the grounds on which it was made. You then have three days from the date of the registration officer's notice to ask for a hearing - see below. If there is a hearing, both the objector and the person they are objecting to will be able to present their cases. Hearings of claims and objections Unless a claim or objection is allowed or disallowed immediately, the electoral registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) will set a time and place to hear the claim or objection. At the hearing, you and/or the objector can appear in person or choose to be represented by someone else. You may submit written statements as well as oral evidence. If you are still unhappy with the decision of the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland), you can appeal against it in the county court (sheriff court in Scotland).

How to vote Before polling day, everyone entitled to vote will be sent a polling card, unless a proxy (see below) or postal vote (see below) has previously been agreed. The card will give details of the polling station and the hours it is open. You do not need to take the polling card to the polling station when you go to vote, but it may be more convenient to do so. If you do not want to, or cannot, attend the polling station in person, you can apply for a postal vote (see below), or a proxy vote (see below) if you meet the relevant criteria. For more information about how to vote in Scottish parliamentary elections, see The Scottish Parliament . Help for disabled people If you are disabled, you may be able to vote by post (see below) or by proxy (see below). If you are partially sighted and choose to vote in person, the polling station must display a large print version of the ballot paper to assist you. If you are blind or partially sighted the polling station must also provide a device to enable you to fill in your ballot papers without any need for assistance from anyone else.

If you are physically disabled or unable to read, you may take a companion to help you complete the ballot form and put it in the ballot box. Your companion must be aged 18 or over (16 or over if it is a Scottish Parliamentary or local government election in Scotland) and be entitled to vote, and must make a written declaration to this effect. Your companion cannot help more than one disabled voter to vote at that election. The presiding officer has to be satisfied that you need the help of a companion in order to vote. Alternatively, you can ask the presiding officer to mark the ballot paper on your behalf. Postal voters and Individual Electoral Registration Changes to postal voting will happen before the next general election in 2015. If you currently vote by post, your details will be checked against the DWP database. If they match you will be automatically transferred to IER. If your details don’t match you will no longer be able to vote by post until you have registered yourself. The electoral registratio officer will write to you to tell you how to do this.

If you have not registered yourself to vote by post at least 12 working days before 7 May 2015, you will not be able vote by post in the next General Election. However, if you are already registered to vote you will be able to vote in person at a polling station because your details will still be on the current electoral register. Once you are registered to vote, you can choose to vote by post at both parliamentary and local government elections for: an indefinite period To make an application for a postal vote, you must: give your full name, date of birth and national insurance number provide the address where you are or will be registered provide the address to which the ballot paper must be sent specify the period or the particular election for which the application is made state whether the application is made for parliamentary elections, local government elections, or both sign and date the application. Complete the application form available from your electoral registration office or from the voting website ( ). Only one application form can be used for each person. Alternatively, you can apply in writing, although care must be taken to ensure that the letter contains all the information necessary (see above). It is against the law to give false information about an application for a postal vote.

It is also against the law to get the registration officer to send a postal vote application form to an address when the person entitled to vote has not agreed to this. An application for a postal vote has to be received by the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) at least 12 working days before the date of the poll. If you have already registered to vote by post and then change your mind, for example, you want instead to vote by proxy or to be removed from the record, the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) must receive your application at least eleven working days before the poll. Once a successful application has been made, you should be added to a section of the register known as the absent voters list. You should receive confirmation that you have been given a postal vote (if there is enough time before the election). You will receive: a ballot paper a postal voting statement that you must sign and on which you must state your date of birth. By signing the statement, you are confirming that you are the person to whom the ballot paper was sent pre-paid envelopes as necessary information about how to obtain guidance on voting in languages other than English, in Braille or in other forms such as audible forms.

If you are registered and have applied to vote by post and you do not receive your postal ballot paper by the fourth working day before the day of the poll, you can apply to the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) for a replacement ballot paper. The application for a replacement ballot paper must include evidence of your identity. You should then be issued with a replacement ballot paper. Proxy votes Voting by proxy means that you appoint someone else to vote on your behalf. The person appointed as a proxy must be eligible to vote (see under heading Can you register to vote ). Once you are registered to vote by proxy, you will be able to do so at both parliamentary and local government elections for either an indefinite period, a particular period or for a particular election. Only specified groups (see below), can apply to vote by proxy for a particular or indefinite period, but anyone can apply to vote by proxy for a particular election. Anyone can apply to vote by proxy for a particular election (see above). However, only the following people may be eligible to vote by proxy for a particular or indefinite period:- people registered as service voters (members of the armed forces) people registered as overseas electors (see under heading Special arrangements for specific groups when registering to vote ).

People in this situation cannot vote in local government elections people who cannot go in person to vote without making a journey by sea or air people who cannot reasonably be expected to vote in person because of the general nature of their occupation or that of their spouse or civil partner (evidence is required from their employer) people who are blind or have some other disability and who, as a result, cannot reasonably be expected to vote in person at the allotted polling station or cannot reasonably be expected to vote unaided - see above. If you wish to apply to vote by proxy for a particular election and you are not in one of the groups listed above, you must satisfy the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) that, on the date of the poll for that election, you cannot reasonably be expected to vote in person at your allotted polling station. This requirement does not apply to people listed above.

To make an application for a proxy vote, you must fill in an application form on which you must:- state your full name; and provide the address where you are or will be registered; and provide the full name and address of the proxy together with their family relationship to you, if relevant; and state the grounds on which you claim to be entitled to a proxy vote - see above; and specify the period or the particular election for which the application is made; and state whether the application is made for parliamentary elections, local government elections, or both; and sign and date the application - see below. It is against the law to try and persuade someone to vote by proxy or to give false information about an application for a proxy vote. It is also against the law to get the registration officer to send a proxy vote application form to an address when the person entitled to vote has not agreed to this. An application for a proxy vote has to be received by the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) at least six working days before the date of the poll. But if you become ill just before polling day, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote if you have medical evidence.

If you have already registered to vote by proxy and then change your mind, for example, you want instead to vote by post or to be removed from the record, the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) must receive notification of this at least eleven working days before the poll. Once a successful application has been made, you should be added to a section of the electoral register known as the absent voters list. You should receive confirmation that you have been given a proxy vote (if there is enough time before the election) confirming the name and address of the proxy and the length of time they may act as your proxy. The proxy will also receive confirmation and, shortly before polling day, will receive a proxy poll card or a proxy postal ballot paper, depending on the chosen method of voting. Proxy vote and disabled voters If you are applying for a proxy vote (for a particular or indefinite period) on the grounds of disability, the application form must be countersigned by a registered healthcare practitioner or social worker. If you live in residential care, a local authority care or nursing home or sheltered accommodation, you can have your application signed by the person in charge. Some people don't have to have their application countersigned – see below.

The person who signs the application form has to state that:- they are treating (or providing care to) you for the physical incapacity specified in the application; and you cannot reasonably be expected to go in person to the allotted polling station or to vote there unaided; and the physical incapacity is likely to continue either indefinitely or for the particular period specified in the application. If you are applying for a proxy vote (for a particular or indefinite period) on the grounds of disability, you will not have to fulfil the requirements listed above if you are:- registered blind; or getting the higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance, or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of personal independence payment, or armed forces independence payment; or registered with the local authority on grounds of physical and/or mental disability. For more information about disability living allowance, see Benefits for people who are sick or disabled . Appealing against refusal of a postal or a proxy vote If the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) refuses an application for a postal or proxy vote, you will be notified of this decision and the reasons for it. You can appeal against this decision, but not if you applied to vote by post or proxy in a particular election only.

You must give notice of the appeal by letter to the registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) within 14 days of having received the notice of refusal. You must specify the grounds of the appeal. The registration officer (chief electoral officer in Northern Ireland) will forward the notice of appeal to the appropriate county court (sheriff court in Scotland) with details of their decision. Challenging the outcome of an election You can challenge the outcome of a parliamentary or European parliamentary election on the grounds of an irregularity. In the case of a local government election, four or more voters acting together can challenge the outcome. To challenge the outcome, you need to file an election petition at the Election Petitions Office of the Royal Courts of Justice (Court of Session in Scotland). This must be done within 21 days of the election. A fee of £120 will be charged. More information about the procedure for challenging the outcome can be obtained from the Election Petitions Office. The address is:- England and Wales

Question: How old must you be to vote in a British parliamentary election?
Answer: 18