Methods of voting

This page explains your options for voting at elections. They are: in person at a polling station; by post (postal voting) and by proxy (someone you trust voting on your behalf). There is currently no option to vote electronically or any other method.

You can check when the next elections are due on our next elections page. Do not wait to apply for a postal vote as applications made earlier are sent out earlier in the post. Later applications may arrive close to polling day, so please apply as soon as possible if you need one.

Vote at a polling station

When you first apply to register to vote you are automatically set to vote in person in the polling station. You need to make a further application to vote by the other methods. Polling stations are open 7am - 10pm on election day.

Voter ID 

You must show an accepted photo ID to vote at a polling station:

• in local elections now

• in general elections from October 2023.

Check if you have the photo ID you need to vote (GOV.UK) or get a free Voter Authority Certificate (GOV.UK) to use instead.

You must show one of these to vote. You cannot vote without this, whatever the reason.

We do not have elections planned for 2023 in Royal Greenwich, but they can happen at any time. 

If you need help to get a photo ID or certificate, email elect@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call 020 8921 5882.

Find your nearest polling station

Download a list of polling districts and stations

Or, use Democracy Club's polling station finder tool.

Vote by post

You can apply to vote by post for any reason. If you are concerned about voting in person or might find it more convenient then apply now as there are legal deadlines for applications and earlier applications are sent our first. Due to the number we send out applications made near the deadline can arrive near to polling day. Completed postal votes must reach us by the close of normal polling to be counted. 

Download a postal vote application form (PDF)

Email your completed form (we accept the form by scan or good quality photograph) to postal-vote@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. We check the signature you give us on the form against one we ask you to supply when you vote. So you must have your actual signature (not a computerised font) on the form, or your vote will be rejected.

You can also post your completed form to:

Electoral Services
Town Hall
Wellington Street
London, SE18 6PW

Vote by proxy

Voting by proxy means appointing somebody else to vote for you in the event that you cannot get to your polling station. Both you and the person voting for you (your proxy) must be registered to vote, but your proxy does not have to live in Royal Greenwich.

Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card, telling them where and when to vote. You must let your proxy know which candidate or party you want them to vote for on your behalf.

Register to vote by proxy here.

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you cannot vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.

This must be caused by something that you were not aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline.

If you think you need to vote by emergency proxy, please email elect@royalgreenwich.gov.uk your proxy form or call 020 8921 5882.