Register to vote

Please note that with effect from May 2023 voters are required to show photographic identity in the polling stations, further information can be found on our website at www.westoxon.gov.uk/voterid

If you are not on the electoral register, or you have recently moved and haven't registered, you cannot vote, even if you are registered to pay Council Tax (this is an entirely separate process). Not being registered can also affect your credit rating.

Apply to register online

This is the simplest and fastest way to register.

Please note that applications are individual and you will need to include your national insurance number and date of birth as part of your application. If you cannot provide them, please state the reason why.

Your application will be acknowledged and if your application is successful we will tell you when you will be added to the register.

If you cannot make an online application, email elections@westoxon.gov.uk for an application form or call 01993 861410.

Ways to vote

In person

You can vote in person at the polling station. You will be sent a poll card just before an election telling you where your polling station is.

By post

Anyone who is registered to vote can ask for a postal vote. Then your ballot paper will be posted to you to fill in and return.

Apply to register by post

Applications may be made at any time, but must be received no later than 5pm on the 11th working day before a particular election day.

By proxy

It is possible to let someone else vote for you. This is called a "proxy vote". The person you choose must vote for the candidate you want.

Apply to vote by proxy

When you apply you must give a reason for needing a proxy vote, for example because of holiday or work reasons. Applications must be received by 5pm on the sixth working day before a particular election day.

Absent voting (post or proxy)

The new way applications are received for postal and proxy voting was introduced from 31 October 2023. Applications can now be received online via the government website or via a paper form and will go through a verification check using date of birth and National Insurance number for each application.

Medical and employment emergencies and proxy votes

Applications for a proxy vote on the grounds of a medical emergency or for work reason can be made up until 5pm on polling day, provided the reason arose after the ordinary deadline for applying to appoint a proxy. There are also some circumstances where an emergency proxy appointment can be made for reasons related to the requirement to show Photo ID in polling stations:

Emergency proxy applications may be delivered or posted to the Elections Office, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, OX28 1NB or sent as a scanned email attachment to elections@westoxon.gov.uk.

For further advice on electoral registration and postal or proxy voting, or to request an application form to be sent to you, email elections@westoxon.gov.uk or call 01993 861525.

Service voters and British Citizens living overseas

You can also register online as a service voter or as a British Citizen living overseas. More information is available on the electoral commission website.

Students studying away from home

Students are entitled to register at both their home and their university address. Find out more on the student section of electoral commission website.

Your personal details

The Electoral Registration Officer keeps two registers, the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register). When you register, you will be asked if you want to be included or excluded from the open register.

The electoral register

This lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as:

detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
calling people for Jury Service
checking credit applications

The open register

This is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

General information about registering to vote:

Visit the electoral commission website
Contact us