Four things you need to know about voting in the UK general election 2017
The UK general election will be held on Thursday 8 June 2017. In this election you elect a Member of the UK Parliament to represent your constituency.
In the Shropshire Council area three constituencies are up for election: Ludlow; North Shropshire, and Shrewsbury & Atcham.
Some residents in the Shropshire Council area live in The Wrekin constituency, which is administered by Telford & Wrekin Council.
According to research, 21% of eligible voters didn’t vote in the 2015 UK general election because they ran out of time*.
The Electoral Commission has published the following advice to help ensure that all voters have their say in the 2017 election.
1. Find out where you go to vote
Your polling station location is on your poll card. You don’t need to bring your poll card when you go to vote though they are helpful as they can save time at the polling station, especially if you are voting on someone else’s behalf.
If you’ve misplaced your poll card, don’t worry! You can find out where you go to vote by entering your postcode on the Electoral Commission website.
2. ‘X’ marks the spot
In this election you simply put one ‘X’ next to the candidate you wish to vote for on your ballot paper. You can use the provided pencil or your own pen to mark your ballot paper.
For a list of candidates (also known as ‘persons nominated’) in each constituency – as well as a list of polling stations – click on the appropriate link.
For more information about voting at polling stations, click here.
3. Assistance available at polling stations
Assistance is available for anyone who requires it at the polling station. If you are a first-time voter, the polling station staff will be happy to help answer any questions you have.
If you are disabled, you can ask the Presiding Officer to help mark your ballot paper for you. You can also ask someone else you know to help you.
If you have a visual impairment, you can ask to see a large print ballot paper. You can also ask for a special voting device that allows you to vote on your own in secret.
Note that in England, Wales and Scotland, you don’t need to bring photo ID.
4. Don’t run out of time
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm. Don’t leave it too late and be one of the 21% from the last UK general election who didn’t vote because they ran out of time.
If you are in a queue at your polling station at 10pm you will be allowed to vote.
Parents are allowed to bring children with them when they go to vote at the polling station.
In England, Wales and Scotland, if you haven’t already sent back your postal ballot paper, you can hand it in at a polling station in your area tomorrow before 10pm.
You can read more about voting in the UK general election on the Electoral Commission website.
*May 2015 post-election public opinion survey, Electoral Commission
