Voter ID – The way you vote is changing
From 4 May 2023 you will need to show photo ID if you are voting in a polling station. The following forms of ID will be accepted: a passport, driving licence, certain concessionary travel passes, an ID bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram, and certain Government-issued documents.
You can use an expired ID if the photo still looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. You must bring original documents - photocopies or digital ID are not accepted.
If you do not have acceptable ID, or the photo no longer looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
For more information, a full list of acceptable ID, or to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, please visit the Electoral Commission website
Register to vote
Now is the time to get prepared and ensure you are on the Electoral Register. Don't lose your right to Vote!
If you're not on the Electoral Register, you cannot vote. So if you have recently moved house, are about to become 18, or have never registered, you should register now.
PLEASE NOTE: You will need to supply your national insurance number and date of birth during this process.
For further details about the register can be found on our Electoral Register page.
Check the Full Electoral Register
The Full Version of the Register of Electors (Electoral Roll) is available for people to inspect at the Guildhall, under supervision.
Look at the Register to make sure your name has been correctly included. If it hasn't, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be pleased to try and help you keep your right to vote.
Omission from the Register may also cause you to experience greater difficulty in obtaining credit or other financial services.
Further details about the Register of Electors can be found on our Electoral Register page
What if I am unable to get to the polling station on election day?
If you are unable to go to your Polling Station on Election Day, you can apply to vote by post or apply to vote by proxy (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf).
Please note; you must be a registered elector in order to be granted a postal or proxy vote. To check if you are registered please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include your name and address. You can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
What is a postal vote?
A postal vote means that you receive your ballot paper by post before the election and return it the same way.
You remain personally responsible for completion of the paper and its return. You do not have to provide a reason for wishing to vote by post, and may apply for one election, a number of elections between two dates, or for a permanent postal vote. Instructions on how to complete the postal vote will be included with the ballot paper.
If you have a postal vote you will not be allowed under any circumstances to vote in person at the polling station.
You do not need to provide a reason for requesting a postal vote unless you are requesting it be sent to an address other than your registered address.
If you have already been appointed as a proxy for another elector and you wish to receive your proxy vote by post you need to complete a slightly different form.
What is a proxy vote?
A proxy vote allows you to appoint another person to vote on your behalf, either at a polling station or by post, the person you appoint must be a registered elector. To be eligible to appoint a proxy, you must give a reason for your inability to attend the polling station.
for example:
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You have a physical disability.
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Your job takes you away from home on a permanent or unpredictable basis, or on the day of the election.
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You will be on holiday when the election takes place.
If you appoint a proxy and your circumstances change so that you are able to get to the polling station, you may vote yourself provided that the proxy has not already voted on your behalf or applied to cast your vote by post..
There are two types of Proxy application forms.
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pdf
Application Form to Vote by Proxy for a Particular Election
(110 KB)
This proxy vote will only last for a single election but only requires you to provide a reason for the application. Use this if you would normally be able to vote in person. -
pdf
Application Form to Vote by Proxy for a definite or indefinite period
(56 KB)
This proxy vote lasts for a definite or indefinite period but requires you to provide evidence or a supporting declaration. Use this if you are normally unable to vote in person due to a disability or other medical reason, or if your job or education takes you away from home for long periods.
Please return completed Application Forms to:
Electoral Registration Officer
Worcester City Council
The Guildhall
High Street
Worcester
WR1 2EY
Completed forms can be scanned and sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., they must be clear and legible.
Applications for a proxy vote must be made no later than 6 working days before an election. If your circumstances change after this date you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy. You can apply for this up to 5pm on polling day but you must provide evidence or a supporting declaration. Please contact the Electoral Services team to apply.
If in any doubt please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no election in my area?
Worcester City Council members are elected in thirds, some wards have three councillors so will have elections 3 out of every 4 years but some only have two councillors so they only have elections 2 out of every 4 years. In the fourth year where there is no City Election, the County Council Elections are held so all Wards will be voting that year. There are also PCC, PGE, and Parish elections so you may get a poll card even if there is no City Election is being held in your Ward each year.
How and where do I vote?
At the time of an election, full details of the election timetable and voting arrangements will be publicised widely. If you qualify to vote in an election, we will send you a poll card telling you the date and time of the election and the address of your polling station.
If you are on the Electoral Register, you will be sent a poll card just before an election. It tells you where and when to vote. Please note that you will be sent a poll card even if you vote by post. The poll card is for information only; you do not actually need it to cast your vote.
What happens at the polling station?
- Tell the clerk your name and address as shown on the Polling Card you have had delivered. You will be given a ballot paper.
- Go to one of the compartments. Mark your ballot paper according to the instructions found on the ballot paper itself, and on posters in the polling station. This is usually done by marking a cross (X) on the right hand side of the paper opposite the name of the candidate you are voting for, however different elections may have different instructions so please read them carefully. Do not put any other marks or comments on the paper or your vote may not be counted.
- Fold the ballot paper in two. Place the ballot paper in the ballot box. Do not let anyone see your vote - it is nobody's business but your own.
Do I need my polling card to vote?
No. If you have lost your poll card you will just need to give your name and address to the staff in the Polling Station, who will confirm your eligibility to vote. If you never received a poll card, and there is an election in your Ward, please contact the Electoral Registration team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check that you are registered.
I have moved into Worcester from another constituency. I pay council tax at this address so the Council know where I am. Do I need to notify Electoral Services ?
Yes. The Council Tax and Electoral Services teams work completely separately.
How can I check if I am on the register?
For further details on how how to get your name on the Register of Electors can be found on our Electoral Register page.
Situation of polling stations in Worcester
View larger map
(Double click an area on the map to zoom in, and right double click to zoom out)
Please click on the polling station labels in the left column to pin-point the location on the map. Check your poll card for details of your polling station.
Use of schools and rooms for public meetings by Election Candidates and Agents
The Council maintains a list of schools and rooms that can be booked by candidates to promote their candidature between the last day of publication of the Notice of Election (or the receipt of Writ at a PGE) and the day preceding the date of Poll.
Candidates and agents should contact the owner of the premises to make a booking, giving reasonable notice to reduce the risk of the request being refused.
There is no hire charge for using these rooms, but you must pay for any expenses incurred, such as heating, lighting and cleaning, and for any damage to the premises.
The right to use schools does not include hours during which a school is used for educational purposes, and any prior letting must take precedence.
Contact
If you have any queries please contact Electoral Service
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 01905 722530
Address: Electoral Registration Officer, Guildhall, High Street, Worcester WR1 2EY