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Where do I go to vote/Where is my polling station?
Am I eligible for a postal vote?
How do I apply for a postal vote
Is there a deadline for applying for a postal vote?
When will my postal vote arrive?
It is the first time I am going to vote, how do I do it?
Where can I find out about ballot secrecy?
What provision is there for people with disabilities?
What provision is there for wheelchair users?
What provision is there for blind voters?
What provision is there for people with learning difficulties?
What provision is there for non-English speakers?
The next election in Runnymede is scheduled for 7th May 2009. This is the Runnymede Borough Council election, where one third of the local Borough Councillors will be up for election.
Where do I go to vote/Where is my polling station?
A Poll Card should be delivered to you prior to polling day with the address of your polling station; this is where you go to vote. However if you don't receive this or would simply like to see where the polling stations are situated in this borough a list of polling stations (pdf 85kb) is available.
Am I eligible for a postal vote?
Yes, provided you are registered to vote.
How do I apply for a postal vote?
You can download an application form here.
Is there a deadline for applying for a postal vote?
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 11 days before the date of poll. This is also the deadline for making changes to or cancelling existing arrangements.
When will my postal vote arrive?
One to two weeks before the election. However, if your application is received just before the deadline, it will be issued as soon as is practicable which may be only a week before the election.
It is the first time I am going to vote, how do I do it?
The Electoral Commission has produced a very good leaflet called 'Easy guide to voting', that will help you with the process and what to expect when you turn up at the polling station. If you are still concerned having read the leaflet then please contact Electoral services who will be happy to help on 01932 425650.
If your nationality is UK, Irish, or Commonwealth then you are entitled to vote in all UK elections provided you are registered to vote. If you are from a European Union country then you can vote in local elections and also European Parliamentary elections, provided you complete a declaration. A full list of all European Union click here for list and Commonwealth, British Dependent Territories is available
Only those with a specific reason, such as a disability, or being overseas can apply to vote by proxy on a long-term basis. To vote by proxy for just one election you must have a reason - e.g. you will be on holiday.
Information on voting by proxy
Where can I find out about ballot secrecy?
Numbers on ballot papers have been in place since the 1872 Ballot Secrecy Act. They are in place to prevent impersonation but can only be matched up with an elector by Court Order. For further information on Ballot Secrecy and a fact sheet please visit the Electoral Commission's website.
Access Issues
What provision is there for people with disabilities?
Local authorities have to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and other laws.
What provision is there for wheelchair users?
Each polling station is different, however all polling stations in Runnymede are currently accessible to wheelchair users, those that do not have direct access are provided with ramps on polling day.
What provision is there for blind voters?
Tactile voting templates and large print ballot papers are available at all polling stations. You can take a companion with you to assist you or ask the Presiding Officer at the polling station for help. Or you could request a postal vote or appoint a proxy.
What provision is there for people with learning difficulties?
Provisions vary between local authorities, although the Electoral Commission does provide an Easy Guide to Voting leaflet, which it has recently produced.
What provision is there for non-English speakers?
All ballot papers are in English - this is the law. However there may be guidance notes in other languages. Please contact Electoral services on 01932 425650 if you require assistance and we will be happy to help.