The general election is taking place on Thursday, 4 July.
In order to vote in the election, residents must register to vote before the deadline on Tuesday, 18 June at 11.59pm.
Voter ID
Residents are reminded that in order to vote at a polling station they will need to bring accepted photo ID with them to be able to vote.
A wide range of photo IDs will be accepted, including:
- passports,
- driving licences, and
- certain concessionary travel cards.
The full list of acceptable photo IDs can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.
Even if the photo ID document is out of date it can still be used, as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of the voter.
Anyone who doesn’t have one of the accepted forms of photo ID, or isn’t sure that their photo still looks like them, is encouraged to apply for a free ID document called a Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadline to apply for the free ID is 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June. Applicants must be registered to vote, and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number, and a photograph with their application.
To apply residents can visit the government website or download a paper application form, which should be returned to: Medway Council, Electoral Services, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR. If residents need help filling out the paper application form they can call 01634 332099.
Proxy Votes
The requirement to show an accepted photo ID at a polling station includes residents who will be using a proxy vote.
A proxy vote is when you nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf. For proxy votes, the person voting on your behalf will need to show their accepted photo ID at the polling station.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June.
Find out more about proxy votes and how to apply on our website.
Postal votes
Residents can also choose to apply for a postal vote. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday, 19 June.
You should receive your postal ballot papers around five days before election day. You must return your postal vote pack by no later than 10pm on election day (Thursday, 4 July).
If you forget to return your postal vote pack, you can drop it off at your local polling station or our Gun Wharf office on election day before 10pm. You will be required to complete a form confirming your name, address and how many completed postal votes you are handing in.
Find out more about postal votes and how to apply on our website.