eoni.org.uk Election FAQs : The Electoral Office of Northern Ireland

Organisation : The Electoral Ofiice of Northern Ireland
Facility : Election FAQs
Country : Northern Ireland

Election FAQs : http://www.eoni.org.uk/FAQs
Home Page : http://www.eoni.org.uk/Home

Who is eligible to vote at the UK Parliamentary election? :
All persons who are:
** Listed on the electoral register
** At least 18 years of age on 7 May 2015
** British citizens, qualifying Commonwealth citizens* (including Cyprus and Malta) and citizens of the Republic of Ireland.

* “qualifying Commonwealth citizen” means that the applicant must have leave to remain in the United Kingdom or not require such leave, i.e. they must be in the UK legally.

How do I vote at the UK Parliamentary election? :
On the ballot paper, mark a cross (X) against the candidate you wish to vote for.

How do I know where to go to vote? :
Poll cards will be issued from 8 April and they will include the location of your polling station. If for any reason you do not receive a poll card you can use the post code search facility on the homepage which will provide the address of your polling station. Alternatively, phone our Helpline on 0800 4320 712 to get the address of your polling station. You do not need your poll card to vote, it is for information purposes only.

What identity documents can I use to vote at the polling station? :
The following identity documents can be used to prove your identity when you vote at a polling station:
** A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photographic part) (provisional accepted)
** A UK or Irish passport
** An Electoral Identity Card
** A Translink Senior SmartPass
** A Translink 60+ SmartPass
** A Translink War Disabled SmartPass
** A Translink Blind Person’s SmartPass
The identity document does not need to be current, as long as you are still recognisible from the photograph.
If you don’t have any of these documents you can apply for an Electoral Identity Card. Visit the How to apply page for information on the application process.

The address on my identity document is out-of-date – can I still use it? :
Yes as the document is used to prove your identity rather than your address.

I recently got married and only have ID documents in my maiden name – can I still vote? :
If you take your identity document to the polling station along with your original marriage certificate you will be able to vote using your maiden name.
In order to update your name on the electoral register you will need to complete a registration form and send it to your local Area Electoral Office with proof of your married name. You can also apply for an Electoral ID card in your married name. If this is done by 20 April you will be registered with your new details and receive your card in time to vote on 7 May in your married name. Visit the Register to vote page to download the application form.

My Electoral ID Card has expired – do I need to apply for a new one? :
If your Electoral Identity Card has expired, you do not need to renew it to vote at a polling station – identity documents produced at a polling station are no longer required to be current, as long as you are still recognisible from the photograph.

How do I apply for an Electoral ID Card? :
Please visit the How to apply page for details of how to make an application.

When will I receive my poll card? :
Poll cards will be sent out from 8 April.

I haven’t received a poll card – what should I do? :
You can vote without your poll card, provided you are listed on the register. If you are unsure if you are listed on the register, phone our Helpline on 0800 4320 712 and we will advise you.
If you are unsure of the location of your polling station you can find it using the post code search facility on the homepage.

I’ve received a poll card for the people who used to live here – what should I do? :
Please return the poll card to the Area Office marked “not at this address” so the office can update their records. If you have not updated your address on the register you can do so until 20 April. You will need to send in evidence of your change of address such as an original bill or bank statement dated within the last three months. The registration form can be downloaded from the Register to vote page or phone our Helpline on 0800 4320 712 and we will send one out to you.
If you are listed on the register at your previous address you will be able to vote at the polling station allocated to that address. If you are unsure of the location of the polling station you can use the post code search facility on the homepage which will provide the address. Alernatively, phone our Helpline to get the address of your polling station.

How do I apply to vote by post or proxy? :
Visit the Voting by post or proxy page for information on how to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

I have a disability – how can I vote at this election? :
You can apply for a permanent postal or proxy vote if your disability prevents you from going to the polling station. The deadline for this is 5.00pm on 16 April. The form is available on the Voting by post or proxy page or phone our Helpline on 0800 4320 712 and we will post one out to you.
If you can go to the polling station you can be assisted by a companion or the staff at the polling station. If you are partially sighted you can use a device called a ‘selector device’ to assist you when marking your ballot paper.

I have a permanent postal vote but have received a poll card – does this mean I can’t vote by post? :
No, all voters now receive a poll card to ensure they are made aware that an election is taking place.