How to find polling places for local elections 2022

Local elections across the UK will begin on 5 May when people vote for their new local representatives.

With councilors, mayors and congressional seats contested, the process looks daunting.

The process inside a polling station can be confusing, so we’re here to break it down for you.

From the location of your polling station to the rules inside, here’s everything you need to know.

If you vote in person, you will only be able to vote at your designated polling place.

Your polling place address will be printed on your voting card, which will be mailed to your home.

Alternatively, you can find out where you should vote by going to wheredoivote.co.uk and entering your postcode.

Each registered voter will receive a voting card, which will be mailed to their home address before polling day.

This will highlight your polling place’s address, as well as your name and the date you can vote in person. You should double check that your details on the card are correct before voting.

While it is expected that you will bring your voting card to the polling station, you will be able to vote if you misplace your card.

You will be registered from the list in front of the polling station and instructed by staff on how to vote.

There are some strict rules in the voting booth that must be followed or you risk disqualification.

Photography is not allowed inside the building.

Any disorderly behavior will result in your removal from the building, but you will still have the opportunity to vote if eligible.

The process will be simple to follow when you get to the polling place, with trained staff there to help answer any questions you may have.

Voters in England and Wales can register to vote in person until April 14, vote via a postal ballot until April 19 and vote via a proxy vote until April 26.

Scottish voters are organized by similar deadlines, with the only enforcement being that they can register to vote in person until April 18.

Scotland and Wales have slightly different regulations, with the voting age being lowered to 16.

Across the country, thousands of candidates will face the opportunity to represent constituencies at the local level.

An online screening tool provided by the Electoral Commission will allow you to research candidates in your area a day in advance.