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Original poster

Voting advice

16 replies

bec2019 · 12/12/2019 07:05

Hi this is going to sound really stupid.

I've been here years but changed my username last week as a one off and haven't changed it back. Just incase anyone wonders why I've only made 2 posts.

I've had my voting card / postal vote for the local election.

Should I have received another for today's general vote?

I have dyslexia and autism and I'm so confused. Non of my family vote so I can't ask them.

Thanks x

OP posts:
feelingsinister · 12/12/2019 07:09

You don't need your card to vote. Go to your polling station and they'll check you're registered and give you a ballot paper.

GiveHerHellFromUs · 12/12/2019 07:15

You should've received another card but they do come in the post so could have got lost.

If you're registered (ie haven't moved address) since the last election, just go. You don't need your card. If you're worried, contact your local Electoral Registration Office. You can find their details here: www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office?src=schema

Original poster
bec2019 · 12/12/2019 07:27

Hi sorry I only ever vote at home and post it due to my issues.

OP posts:

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Politics
GiveHerHellFromUs · 12/12/2019 07:29

You're too late then. I think postal votes closed two weeks ago.
Sorry.

GiveHerHellFromUs · 12/12/2019 08:04

Hi Bec,

I've just heard on BBC News that if you received the form and didn't send it off you can still drop it in to your polling station.

If you definitely don't have it it might still be worth calling for advice as someone may be able to take you to vote at the polling station (I know you don't normally visit them but if you really want to vote it could still be an option).

TabithaConstanceWilhelmina · 12/12/2019 08:08

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AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 12/12/2019 08:35

Are you sure you've received something for a local election? I didn't think there were any local elections today.

A general election postal vote will have your local area's name on it, due to the constituency system, but this is totally normal!

As it's too late to post it now, you'll need to take it to your local polling station (or get someone else to do it for you - a neighbour perhaps?) You can find your polling station here - they're always very local wheredoivote.co.uk/

Original poster
bec2019 · 12/12/2019 09:23

I'm so confused

OP posts:
Seeline · 12/12/2019 09:28

I agree - I don't think there are any local elections today.

Your poll card should have something like
'Election of a member of parliament for * constituency' on it. the voting papers will be similar. If you have a postal vote, it has to arrive at the Council offices by the end of today, or you can drop it off at a polling station.

Original poster
bec2019 · 12/12/2019 09:32

Sorry I have lots of mental health issues.

I received my card in the post and sent it off.

I don't know how it works.

OP posts:
Original poster
bec2019 · 12/12/2019 09:35

I'm so ashamed. Because they were all in our area I thought it was local. Thanks be voted for years and. Don't know why I'm thinking this way.

OP posts:
regularbutpanickingabit · 12/12/2019 09:35

When you vote you vote for a local candidate who represents their own party. So you would see local names listed to vote for on your polling card. This then goes towards the overall national vote. The leader of the winning party is the one who will end up Prime Minister (well, if it is a clear win but that is another post!) but you don't directly vote for that person unless they happen to be your local constituent.

Did you post your form back in time? If so, then your vote will be counted in the normal way. If not, then you can take that to your local polling station and you can use it there instead.

Does that help?

Seeline · 12/12/2019 09:35

Did you receive a ballot paper?
You put a cross next to the person you wanted to vote for and then posted it back to the Council?
Your returned your Poll Card too, or just your Poll Card?

Original poster
bec2019 · 12/12/2019 09:43

Hi I posted it Monday. I sound like I shouldn't be voting as I don't know what I'm talking about.

Thanks all x

OP posts:
user27495824 · 12/12/2019 09:56

Don't panic, sounds like you have voted on time. It is a very common misconception that we put a tick next to the would be PM's name, but you actually vote for your local MP's name who represents the party you want to win.

There are 650 constituencies in the UK. Your consituency is your local area. It could be made up of one town or a group of villages or a single village etc A party needs 326 constituency seats to win a majority. This voting system isn't fair, because some constituency's have far fewer people living in them than others. This is called the First Past the Post voting system. It is flawed because say if 50% of people voted Labour, you wouldn't end up with 50% of Labour MP's in parliament. There are campaigns for an electoral reform, but of course the Conservatives are not in support of this for obvious reasons.

GiveHerHellFromUs · 12/12/2019 11:20

Don't worry, there are plenty of people who don't know what they're talking about and it doesn't sound like you're one of them!

I'm glad the stress is over Smile

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