Where is m my nearest polling station and what are the opening times to vote?

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VOTING for the UK’s 2019 General Election is officially open.

The results will be announced first thing tomorrow morning and with the vote tipped to be a close call, every vote counts. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about where and when to be to cast your vote.

Ace Launderette in Oxford will be used as a polling station

Where is my nearest General Election polling station?

If you are registered to vote you should have received a polling card in the post.

The card tells you the address ofyour nearest polling station, usually with a map.

You cannot vote at a different polling station so check in case your nearest has moved since the last election.

If you have lost your polling card, don’t worry – you can still vote without it.

Your local council will be able to tell you where to go to cast your ballot.

What time do the General Electionpolling stations close?

Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm today, Thursday, December 12.

Your local polling station is usually a public building or local hall.

You’ll be sent a poll card before an election with details of when and where to vote.

How do I vote at the General Election polling station?

When you get to the polling station, give your name and address to the staff.

You’ll be given a ballot paper with a list of options of the candidates standing for election.

If you live in Northern Ireland you’ll need to take ID with you – for instance, a passport, driving licence,

Electoral Identity Card or certain kinds of Translink Smartpass.

You need to take ID to vote in Northern Ireland

Is it too late to register to vote in the General Election?

Yes, the deadline passed on November 26, meaning if you did not register by then you cannot vote on Thursday.

Polling station rules

Every polling station has rules on how you cast your vote and behave when in the polling station:

  • You must bring ID to the polling station
  • Selfies are frowned upon as they risks giving away what someone else voted, which is illegal
  • People are permitted to spoil their ballot as a protest, however they wont be counted
  • It is illegal to openly share how anyone else voted
  • You are not allowed to photograph the ballot paper you receive at the polling station
  • Animals, apart from guide dogs, are usually not allowed inside a polling station
  • There is no law against wearing political clothing or a banner in when you go to vote

How do I register for a postal vote?