Polls are now open to vote in today’s Parliamentary Election.

When can I vote?

Polling stations are open throughout the day between 7am and 10pm

Where do I vote?

It should say where your polling station is on your poll card, which you should have received through the post. If you have not received your poll card, damaged it, lost it, or are still unsure where to vote, then you can check by entering your postcode on our website.

Who am I voting for?

The UK is divided into 650 constituencies, each with one Member of Parliament (MP).

You vote for one MP to sit in the UK Parliament in Westminster and represent your constituency. In Blackpool, you are either voting for an MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys or Blackpool South. You can check which constituency you are voting for on our webpage.

Find the candidates standing for election in your constituency by on our webpage.

How do I vote?

The UK general election uses the First Past The Post system.

You will receive one ballot paper.

You should mark an ‘X’ against the one candidate you want to elect to represent your constituency.

If you make a mistake you can ask the polling staff to give you another ballot paper.

When votes are counted, the candidate who receives the most votes is elected as MP for your constituency.

Can I use my own pen/pencil?

Pencils are available at the count and are the best way of marking your ballot paper, as your vote won’t smudge, run if it gets wet, or create a mark when you fold your ballot paper. Ink pens can also run out, leading to scratches and tears on the ballot paper.

There is nothing to stop you using a pen if you wish, although we would suggest pencils are more suitable.

The use of pencils does not in itself increase the likelihood of electoral fraud. Legislation has built specific safeguards into the process, such as the requirement for seals to be attached to ballot boxes at the close of poll.

Can I take a photo of me voting?

Pictures taken outside the polling station are fine, encouraged even. Posting them on social media will even encourage your friends and family to vote. Pictures of #dogsatpollingstations are always popular on social media on election day and these pictures are fine to take outside the polling station.

Please don’t take any photos inside the polling station, in case you breach of secrecy of the ballot requirements.

I’ve been made the proxy for someone – what do I need to do?

It's very simple to vote as someone's proxy. You will be sent a special proxy poll card with details of where you should go to vote.

Just tell the staff at the polling station that you are voting as a proxy and they will tell you what to do. Don't forget to take your proxy poll card – this will make it easier for polling place staff to find the right ballot paper.

I’ve spoiled my ballot paper or postal vote statement – what do I do?

You can get a replacement up until 5pm on polling day. You must pick it up in person from your Returning Officer.

You will also need to return your spoilt ballot paper and the other parts of the ballot pack that were sent to you.

If I have applied for a postal vote, can I still vote at the polling station?

If you have applied to vote by post, you cannot vote in person at the polling station.

However, on polling day you can return your postal vote to the polling station (before 10pm) or to the Returning Officer at your local council (before they close) if you do not want to post it or it is too late to post it.

I’ve lost/forgotten my polling card – can I still vote?

Yes. You don't need your poll card in order to vote.

As long as you are registered to vote, you will be able to vote at your polling station.

I have a disability – what help is available for me to vote?

Most polling stations are fully accessible, however if you are unable to enter a building please inform the presiding officer at a polling station. If you are unable to mark the ballot paper then you should also inform the presiding officer and they will help you.