General Election 2019: voting tips

Registration has now closed for the 2019 General Election. To help you prepare to hit the polls on Thursday 12 December, we’ve compiled these top voting tips to answer any questions you might have.

1. Proxy voting 
   
   If you’re going to be away from home or are unable to make it to a polling station because of work, a nominated person can vote on your behalf. This is called proxy voting. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote was 5pm on Wednesday 4 December, read more at camden.gov.uk/voting-by-proxy
    
2. Emergency proxy votes
   
   There may be certain circumstances where you have to attend to an emergency on polling day and cannot vote in person. Under these circumstances an emergency proxy vote may be available to you. Please contact [email protected] or call 020 7974 4444 before 5pm on polling day.
    
3. Postal voting
   
   We are now in the process of sending postal votes to those who have applied for them. Postal votes will only be counted if they are returned before 10pm on Thursday 12 December, so it is important that you return them to us as soon as possible.
   
   Please consider increased volumes of Christmas mail and the effect this may have on the speed of your postal vote’s delivery. If you are concerned that your postal vote might not arrive on time, you can hand it in in person at the Crowndale Centre:
   
   Electoral Services
   Crowndale Centre
   218 Eversholt Street
   Kings Cross
   London
   NW1 1BD
    
4. Lost or spoiled postal votes
   
   If you have lost or damaged your postal vote, a replacement can be issued until 5pm on Thursday 12 December. Please get in touch with our elections office via [email protected] or 020 7974 4444. 
    
5. Polling station opening times
   
   Polls open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 12 December. As long as you are in the polling station queue by 10pm you will still be allowed to vote.
   
   You can find directions to your polling station on the back of your polling card. If you do not have your polling card you can find directions online at wheredoivote.co.uk 
    
6. Lost polling card
   
   You do not need your polling card to have your say on Thursday 12 December. As long as you registered to vote before Tuesday 26 November, your name will be on the electoral register. Simply arrive at your local polling station and let the staff know your name and address.
    
7. Who’s standing in your area?
   
   There are two parliamentary constituencies in the London Borough of Camden: Hampstead and Kilburn, and Holborn and St Pancras. You can find full details of who’s standing in your constituency at camden.gov.uk/parliamentary-election-12-december
   
   There is also a by-election taking place in Haverstock ward on the same day. You can find details of who is standing at camden.gov.uk/haverstock-by-election-2019
    
8. Accessibility in our polling stations
   
   All polling stations in Camden have disabled access. However if you require extra help, there are staff at all of our polling stations who are ready to assist you. This could be help accessing the polling station or the use of specially designed tools to help you cast your vote. Alternatively, you can choose a companion to come along to the polling station with you to help you cast your vote. The presiding officer at the station will be able to help you with this on polling day
    
9. Dogs in polling stations
   
   Dogs are allowed into many of our polling stations, however, it is at the building owner’s discretion. If there is clear signage in place that states dogs are not allowed then we ask that you respect these wishes. Guide and assistance dogs are exempt from these rules and allowed into all polling stations.
    
10. Photo policy
    
    We ask that you refrain from taking photos inside polling stations, this is to ensure that you don’t break strict laws around the secrecy of the ballot. However, you’re more than welcome to take photos outside if you’re excited to share them with friends and family over social media.