Elections - Voting

You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors.

The following people are allowed to vote:

• People aged 18 or over.
• British, Commonwealth, Irish and other European Union citizens.
• Overseas electors.
• Members of HM Forces and their spouses.
• Crown servants employed outside the United Kingdom.
• European citizens - in European and Local Elections only.
• Overseas Electors - in Parliamentary and European Elections only.

Electoral Register

For further information about the electoral register and how to get your name added to it please visit the Electoral Register webpages

Poll cards

Poll cards are delivered shortly before an Election. If you are eligible to vote in that election, you will receive a poll card. This tells you the date of the election, where your polling station is and the hours of poll.

You do not need to take the poll card with you to be able to vote - however it is quicker if you have the card.

How to vote

Polling stations are open:

• Parish Council Elections: 7.00am to 10.00pm
• Local Elections: 7.00am to 10.00pm.
• European Parliamentary Elections: 7.00am to 10.00pm.

• UK Parliamentary Elections: 7.00am to 10.00pm.

On arrival at your designated polling station:

• The Presiding Officer will ask you to confirm your name and address and will issue you with a ballot paper. .
• You should take the ballot paper to the voting booth and mark with a "X" the candidate you wish to vote for.
• Fold the ballot paper and deposit it in the ballot box.

What if I am unable to get to the Polling Station on Election Day?

You can apply to vote by post (see information below) or proxy (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf).  You will need to apply 11 days before polling day by 5 pm, if there are changes to an existing absent vote.

The Electoral Registration Officer must receive any new applications by 5pm on the eleventh day before the day of the poll.

Am I eligible for a postal/proxy vote?

You can register if you:

• Frequently work overseas
• Will be on holiday when the election takes place
• Have moved house and unable to go to your old polling station.
• Are working during all hours of voting, for example as a member of the election staff.

You can register for a permanent postal/proxy vote if you:

• Have a permanent physical incapacity, or
• Are registered blind, or
• Receive the higher rate of mobility component of the disability living allowance for a physical disability

The registration form will need to be signed by a doctor, nurse or warden of a home.

Postal Vote

You can apply for a postal vote if you are unable to go to your Polling Station on election day.

Please contact us and an application form will be sent out to you.

Please send completed, signed forms back to:

Electoral Registration Office
Solihull Metropolitian Borough Council
PO Box 18
Council House
Solihull
B91 9QS

You must return the form within 11 days before polling day by 5pm, if there are any changes to an existing absent vote.

The Electoral Registration Officer must receive any new applications by 5pm on the eleventh day before the day of the poll.

Proxy Vote

For further information about proxy votes and how to apply for a proxy vote please visit the Proxy Vote webpages

Contact Details

For more information on voting, please contact the Electoral Registration Office on:

Telephone: 0121 704 6042,

email: election@solihull.gov.uk, or call into Solihull Connect

Electoral Registration Officer
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
PO Box 18
Council House
Solihull
B91 9QS