As a network of charities and community groups across Norfolk, we believe everyone should be able to use their vote and have their say in elections. Here is your step by step guide to help you register to vote in Norfolk, and everything you need to get ready to take part in elections!
When are the next elections in Norfolk?
| Date | Event |
| Tuesday 16 April | Deadline to register to vote on 2 May |
| 5pm, Wednesday 17 April | Deadline to register for a postal vote for 2 May |
| 5pm, Wednesday 24 April | Deadline to apply for Voter Authority Certificate for 2 May |
| Thursday 2 May | Election for Police and Crime Commissioner (Norfolk-wide) Elections and referendums in some areas of Norfolk – check yours here |
| To be announced | General Election – this will be held no later than 28 January 2025. |
Important! This is a general guide, but it is possible there are other by-elections or votes taking place in some areas before this. For the most up-to-date information check here.
Step 1: Register to vote
Who can vote?
- You must be aged 18 or above to vote. However, you can register to vote from the age of 16.
- British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens are eligible to vote in all elections that take place.
- Currently, EU citizens can vote in local elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, but not in General Elections. Some EU citizens will lose this right on 7 May 2024.
How to register to vote:
- You will need your National Insurance number
- Go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and complete the steps
- Alternatively you can download and print a paper form, and send this to your local Electoral Registration Office. You can find their contact details at the end of this page.
Step 2: Check you have Photo ID
To vote in person, you will need to bring a valid photo ID to the polling station when you go to vote.
What ID is accepted?
International travel
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
Driving and Parking
- Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
- A Blue Badge
Local travel
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Oyster 60+ Card funded by the funded by the UK Government
- Freedom Pass
- Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
- 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Proof of age
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
Other government issued documents
- Biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Anonymous Elector’s Document
You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. Expired ID is fine as long as it still looks like you, and the name on the ID matches the name you used to register to vote.
If you do not have a valid photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
- You will need your National Insurance number and a passport-style photo
- Go to www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate and complete the steps
- Alternatively you can download and print a paper form, and send this to your local Electoral Registration Office. You can find their contact details at the end of this page.
Another option is to vote by post – see below. You do not need Photo ID to vote this way.
Step 2 alternative: Register for a postal vote
How to register for a postal vote:
- You will need your National Insurance number and a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper, to upload.
- Go to www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote and complete the steps
- Alternatively you can download and print a paper form, and send this to your local Electoral Registration Office. You can find their contact details at the end of this page.
You can choose to have a postal vote for one election, or for all elections in the next three years.
You will need to reapply for a postal vote after three years.
If you registered to vote for a long-term postal vote before 31 October 2023, your postal vote will expire on 26 January 2026. You will need to reapply closer to the time.
Frequently asked questions
I can’t find my National Insurance number
You may be able to find it on your:
- payslip
- P60
- letters about tax, pensions or benefits
- personal tax account or the HMRC app.
If you still cannot find it, you can:
- fill in form CA5403 and send it to the address on the form
- contact the National Insurance numbers helpline and answer some questions (you’ll need to fill in form CA5403 if you cannot answer the questions)
HMRC will post it to you and it will arrive within 15 working days. HMRC no longer sends out National Insurance cards.
If you cannot provide your National Insurance number when you register to vote, you can explain why and provide a utility bill, passport or other ID document as part of your registration. This could delay the application.
I have no fixed address
You can complete this form to register to vote with no fixed address, or if you are remanded in custody but have not yet been charged.
I am concerned about my safety and / or privacy by appearing on the electoral register.
There are two versions of the Electoral Register – the ‘full register’ and the ‘open register’.
The full register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. It is used to for electoral purposes, and for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications.
The open register can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. You can opt out during the registration process, or at any time by using this online form or by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
If you are concerned about your safety you can also register to vote anonymously – this means your name and address will not be included on the Electoral Register, but you will still be able to vote.
You will need to explain why you wish to register anonymously and provide evidence – either a court document such as an injunction or restraining order; or a statement from a ‘qualifying officer’ such as a police officer, nurse or doctor or refuge manager.
More information is here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-to-vote-anonymously or contact your local Electoral Registration Office for help.
Can someone else vote on my behalf?
In some circumstances you can ask someone to vote for you, for example if you will be away on polling day or you have a medical issue or disability. Normally you need to do this in advance but you can also make an emergency application in some situations. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/voting-by-proxy
How can I contact my local Electoral Registration Office?
For any other questions about registering to vote in Norfolk, contact the elections team at your district council. Not sure which district you are in? Use this tool.
Breckland District Council
Electoral Registration Officer
Breckland Council
Elizabeth House
Walpole Loke
Dereham
NR19 1EE
www.breckland.gov.uk/elections/voting
Email: elections@breckland.gov.uk
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Electoral Services
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Town Hall
Great Yarmouth
NR30 2QF
www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Phone: 01493 846327
Email: elections@great-yarmouth.gov.uk
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council
Electoral Services
King’s Court
Chapel Street
King’s Lynn
PE30 1EX
www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20090/elections_and_voting
Phone: 01553 616773
Email: elections@west-norfolk.gov.uk
North Norfolk District Council
Electoral Services
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road
Cromer
NR27 9EN
www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/elections2023
Phone: 01263 513811
Email: electoralservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Norwich City Council
Elections office
Norwich City Council
City Hall
Norwich
NR2 1NH
www.norwich.gov.uk/yourvotematters
Phone: 0344 980 3333
Email: elections@norwich.gov.uk
South Norfolk and Broadland District Council
Electoral Services Team
The Horizon Centre
Broadland Business Park
Peachman Way
Norwich
NR7 0WF
www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/elections
Phone: 01508 533704 (South Norfolk) or
01603 430483 (Broadland)