Voting

This section of the site provides information for those people who will be voting for the first time at the next elections.

How do I start?

The Register of Electors is a list of everyone who is registered to vote. To appear on the register you must fill in a registration form. A registration form is sent to every home each autumn and is usually completed by the head of the household. Make sure he or she includes your name and date of birth as soon as you are 16. If you find that you are not registered, you can register at any other time of the year using the rolling registration process. Contact the Electoral Services section at the Guildhall on (01743) 281145 or 281019 or email elections@shrewsbury.gov.uk.

When are elections held?

Borough Council elections are held on the first Thursday in May every year for three years. In the fourth year, County Council elections are held. There is a maximum of five years between Parliamentary elections and also between European Parliamentary elections. Plenty of publicity is given to the dates of either Parliamentary or European Parliamentary elections once they are announced.

What is a poll card?

If you are on the Register of Electors and eligible to vote, you will be sent a card just before an election. This is called a poll card. It tells you when and where to vote.

Where do I vote?

On election day, go to your allotted polling station. The polling station is usually a public building near where you live. Tell the staff inside the polling station your name and address so they can check that you're on the register. You can show them your poll card, but you do not need it to vote. The polling staff are there to help you and they will answer any questions you may have.

What is a ballot paper?

The staff at the polling station will give you a list of people you can vote for. This is called a ballot paper. You may be given more than one ballot paper if there is more than one election on the same day.

How do I vote?

Go into a polling booth so that no one can see how you vote. You should put a cross (x) in the box next to the person or party you want to vote for. Do not write anything else on the paper or your vote may not be counted.

What do I do next?

Fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box next to the polling staff. Do not let anyone see your vote.

Can I vote by post?

Yes! This is especially important if you will be away at university at the time an election is held. If you want to vote by post you must fill in a postal vote application form. Contact the Electoral Services section on (01743) 281145 or 281019 or email elections@shrewsbury.gov.uk.

What happens after I have voted?

When voting is over, the votes are counted. The winner or winners are the people with the most votes. These people are responsible for representing you. You can tell them what you think about issues that affect you by phone, by letter or by email. You can also ask to meet them and speak to them in person.

Where can I find out more information?

There is lots of information about elections and electoral registration on the Council's website.  You can also find out information from the Electoral Commission at www.electoralcommission.org.uk