Voting FAQs

Can I register to vote if I live overseas ?

Yes! if you are a British citizen living outside the UK and you meet the criteria detailed below, you can register as an overseas elector. This will enable you to vote in Parliamentary elections and European Parliamentary elections in the UK.

In order to register you must meet one of the following two sets of conditions

• your name was previously on the electoral register for an address in the UK;
• you were living in the UK on the relevant qualifying date for that register; and there are no more than 15 years between that date and the date of your application,

or that

• you last lived in the UK less than 15 years before the date of the application;
• you were too young to be on the electoral register before you left;
• a parent or guardian was on the electoral register, for the address at which you were living;
• you are now at least 18 years old or will become 18 during the life of the register for which you are applying.

For more information view our Overseas Electors leaflet  (98.82 KB) or download a Overseas Electors application form.

How do I register to vote by post ?

If you would rather have your ballot paper sent to you by post than go to the polling station to vote simply complete an Application to Vote by Post  (8.23 KB) form and return it to us. See link below for an application form.

Each applicant must complete and sign an Application to Vote by Post  (8.23 KB) form. Applications must be received by us at least eleven working days prior to polling day if it is to be in force for that election.

If you wish to have your postal vote sent to an an address other than the address at which you have previously applied for it to be sent you can apply to have your postal ballot papers redirected for one particular election date only. If a long term change of address is required than a new postal vote application will be necessary. Application to redirect postal ballot papers.  (11.39 KB)

Can I apply for someone else to vote on my behalf ?

Under certain circumstances you can apply for a ‘proxy vote’, which allows you to nominate someone else to attend the polling station and cast your vote.

You can apply for a proxy vote if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you are registered blind;
• you receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance;
• you have a physical incapacity; or
• your employment is such that you could not attend the polling station.
• You can also apply for a proxy vote for one election if you will be away on holiday or away from home at the time of the election.

If you apply for a proxy vote because you have a physical incapacity or due to the nature of your employment your application must be supported by a doctor or your employer.

To apply to vote by proxy complete, sign, and return an Application to Vote by Proxy  (16.38 KB) form.

Applications for a proxy vote can be made up to six days before polling day but an "emergency” proxy vote can be applied for after this date for those who could not have applied earlier because of unforeseen health reasons. "An emergency” applicaton can be made up to 5pm on polling day. Application for an Emergency Proxy Vote  (12.06 KB).

When do elections take place ?

Local Government Elections

Wychavon is divided into 32 Wards  (11.64 KB), which are represented by 45 Councillors on Wychavon District Council. Elections for District Councillors take place every four years, on the first Thursday in May. The last District Council elections took place on 3rd May 2007, the next Normal District Council elections are due to take place on May 2011.

Also within Wychavon there are 110 Parish wards  (11.64 KB). Each Parish Council  (3.20 MB) has between 5 and 24 Councillors. Elections for Parish Councillors take place at the same time as the District Council elections.

For representation on Worcestershire County Council, the Wychavon area is split into 12 divisions. These divisions are each represented by 1 County Councillor. County Council elections also take place every four years, on the first Thursday in May. The last County Council elections took place on 5th May 2005 and next will be held on May 2009.

If a Local Councillor resigns or dies the ‘seat’ becomes vacant and a by-election may be called to find a replacement. A by-election can happen at any time provided the vacancy occurs at least six month prior to the date for normal elections. For any current by-elections veiw current elections.

Parliamentary Elections

Parliamentary elections, in which you vote for a Member of Parliament, must take place within five years of the previous parliamentary election, but can be called at any time. The last parliamentary election took place on 5th May 2005; therefore the next one must take place before 5th May 2010. If an MP dies or resigns an election would be called.

European Parliamentary Elections

These are held every five years. These elections decide who will represent you in the European Parliament. The last election took place on 10th June 2004. For more information see link below. Wychavon District Council organises all elections in the Wychavon area but elections are paid for by, either, the relevant Council, or the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, depending on which type of election is held.

Where do I vote ?

You can either vote in person at the Polling Station, or if you prefer you can apply to vote by post. In certain circumstances you can arrange for someone to vote on your behalf. (see the links below to vote by post or proxy). We hire village halls, community halls and even use facilities in people’s houses to try to ensure that you do not have to travel too far to your Polling Station. Wychavon is split in to areas called wards, and within these wards are Parishes. Most Parishes in Wychavon have their own Polling Station. In rural areas this will generally be the village hall. Unless you vote by post we will send you a Poll Card shortly before an election. This Poll Card will tell you where you have to go to vote.

How can I get Electoral forms in - large print / Audio / or different languages ?

Either contact the registration officer on 01386 565437, email elaine.dicks@wychavon.gov.uk, or visit the Electoral Commission website for further details.

How can I contact my local representative?

To find details of your local parish council, district and county councillors and Member of Parliament (MP) visit My Local Area.

Forms and Publications

• Easy Voting Guide  (153.76 KB)
• Who Can Vote  (90.87 KB)
• Ballot Secrecy  (88.23 KB)
• Application to Vote by Post  (8.23 KB)
• Application to Vote by Proxy  (16.38 KB)