Most people choose to vote in person, at a polling station.

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on polling day, which means you can vote at a time that's convenient to you.

When you register to vote, you will receive a poll card in the post. Your poll card will provide you with the name and address of your polling station.

You can only vote at this polling station - even if there is one nearer to your home. This is because staff at polling stations have different electoral registers and ballot papers.

When you arrive at the polling station, you will need to provide:

  • your name
  • your address
  • valid Voter ID

you will then be issued with your ballot paper.

You do not need to take your poll card with you to vote. However, it can help polling station staff register you more quickly.

We make every effort to make sure that every polling station within the district is accessible. If you would like to check access before you visit - or need additional assistance - please contact our Elections team.

Voter ID

When you vote at a polling station, you need to take valid photo ID with you.

If you do not have any valid photo ID - but you would like to vote at a polling station - you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

For more information - including a full list of valid photo ID - please visit our Voter ID webpage.

If you need help voting

Voters with a disability, who need help voting, are able to choose anyone aged over 18 to come with them to the polling station.

They can also, instead, ask the person in charge of the polling station (the 'Presiding Officer') to help them mark their ballot paper. The Presiding Officer is legally bound by the Requirements for Secrecy - and the vote will remain secret.

For more information, please visit our Voting accessibility webpage.

How we use your information

We collect your personal information for the following purposes:

  • to carry out our statutory obligation of ensuring that all eligible persons in Babergh and Mid Suffolk are registered to vote
  • to enable eligible persons to stand as candidates in elections, in accordance with statutory requirements
  • to enable all registered electors to participate as voters in elections and referendums

Please read our Privacy notice for electoral registration and elections for more information.