How to vote
You can vote in an election by going to your nominated polling place, requesting a postal vote or nominating a proxy.
Vote in person
We'll send you a polling card if you are registered and eligible to vote in an election. You should get this three or four weeks before the election. Let us know if you think you're registered but don't receive a polling card.
Your polling card will tell you where and when you can vote. You're allocated a polling place based on where you live in Dumfries and Galloway.
You now need to show photo ID to vote at polling places in some elections. This applies to UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions. You do not need to show photo ID at Scottish Parliament elections or at council elections.
Click below to find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
Vote by post
UK Parliamentary Elections
From 31 October 2023, all applications to vote by post in a UK Parliamentary General Election must include a National Insurance Number and must be renewed every three years.
The quickest way to apply is online at: Online Application - UK Parliamentary Elections or alternatively complete a paper application: Paper Application - UK Parliamentary Elections and return to: Electoral Registration Officer, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Militia House, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2HR.
Scottish Parliamentary & Local Council Elections
Applications to vote by post in a Scottish Parliamentary or Local Council Elections do not require a National Insurance Number. Currently, it is not possible to apply for a postal vote using the online platform.
Please complete a paper application: Paper Application - Scottish Parliamentary & Local Council Elections and return to: Electoral Registration Officer, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Militia House, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2HR.
If you have limited time a scanned copy can be sent to ero@dumgal.gov.uk but please be sure to include contact details in case, we need to contact you to clarify any matter. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept photographs of forms.
Your postal vote application can be for a particular election, a limited period or until further notice.
You'll receive a Postal Ballot pack with full instructions before the election if you're registered for a postal vote. Postal Ballot packs can be sent to addresses in the UK and overseas. It might be better to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf if you live overseas.
Further information on postal voting is available from the Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post.
Vote by proxy
UK Parliamentary General Elections
From 31 October 2023, all applications to vote by proxy in a General Election must include a National Insurance Number.
The person you wish to appoint as your proxy can only act as proxy if they are registered and eligible to vote. A proxy in a UK Parliamentary General Election can vote for a maximum of four people. No more than two of those people can be domestic electors. Domestic electors are voters who are neither overseas voters or service voters.
The quickest way to apply is online at: Apply for a postal vote - UK Parliamentary General Elections
Alternatively, complete a paper application Paper Application - UK Parliamentary Elections and return to: Electoral Registration Officer, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Militia House, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2HR.
Scottish Parliamentary & Local Council Elections
Applications to vote by proxy in a Scottish Parliamentary & Local Council Elections do not require a National Insurance Number. Currently, it is not possible to apply for a proxy vote using the online platform
The person you wish to appoint as your proxy can only act as proxy if they are registered and eligible to vote. A proxy in a Scottish Parliamentary or Local Council Election can vote for close relatives and up to two other people at an election. Close relatives are the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild.
Please complete a paper application: Paper Application - Scottish Parliamentary & Local Council Elections and return to: Electoral Registration Officer, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Militia House, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2HR.
If you have limited time a scanned copy can be sent to ero@dumgal.gov.uk but please be sure to include contact details in case, we need to contact you to clarify any matter. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept photographs of forms.
When you apply for a proxy vote you must provide a reason. You can choose to vote by proxy if you:
- are on holiday/working abroad when the election takes place
- have a physical condition that means you can't go to the polling station
- are working during all hours of voting
- are studying away from home
- have moved house since registering and can't go to your old polling station
- are a British citizen living overseas
- are a crown servant or a member of His Majesty's Armed Forces
Your proxy will be sent a poll card and will need to attend the polling station on election day unless they have chosen to vote for you by post.
