Local elections are held in Epping Forest every year in some form and those residents currently listed on the Electoral Register will be able to vote. If you are not on the register, you will not be able to vote.
 
To check whether there is an election in the ward where you live, you are on the register or to vote by post or proxy, contact Electoral Registration at Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ or call 01992 564 411.
 
Frequently Asked Questions…

1. I can't get to the polling station - is there any way I can still vote?

Yes, you can apply for a vote by post. You will need to fill in an application form. You can have a postal vote for one election or for a period of time (while you are at college for example) or permanently.
The Council will write to you confirming your application has been accepted. You will be sent your ballot paper by post.
To apply for a postal vote you need to complete a form.
Click here to download an application form

2. If I have a postal vote, why do I have to sign a declaration? Doesn't it infringe secrecy?
No, you need to sign a declaration stating that you are the person named on the ballot paper envelope. This is intended to try to stop fraud.

3. But then the Council will know how I've voted?
No, because we use a double envelope system, postal votes are opened in two stages. The first stage involves checking the declaration has been completed properly and the number on the declaration matches the number on the ballot paper envelope.
The declaration and the ballot paper envelope are then separated and placed in different trays. Once all the postal votes for that electoral area are similarly checked, the declarations are sealed in an envelope and the second stage commences. This involves opening the ballot paper envelopes, and placing the ballot papers in a ballot box to be taken to the Count.

4. Is there any other way I can vote if I can't get to the polling station?
Yes if you have a reason why you can't get to the polling station in person you can appoint someone else to act as your proxy to go to your polling station and vote on your behalf. You will need to complete an application form to do this. To request a proxy form contact Electoral Services on 01992 564411.

5. Can I go to the polling station and vote if I have mislaid my polling card?
You do not need your polling card to vote, go to the polling station and give the clerk your name and address, they will hand you a ballot paper as usual.

6. Can I go to the polling station and vote if I have not received a polling card?
This depends on whether you are registered to vote.
If you are not sure whether there is an election in your area or you think you may not be on the register contact Electoral Services on 01992 564411.

7. What if I'm not registered?
You should contact the Electoral Registration Officer to check if you are registered at your previous address. If so, you will have to go to the polling station allocated to that address to vote.

8. I have not received a polling card. In its place, I have received a postal ballot paper but I didn't ask for it. What should I do?
Your previous postal vote application must have indicated that you required a postal vote for more than one election. You will not be issued with another ballot paper at the polling station so you will have to use the postal vote on this occasion. Complete it as usual, and either post back your envelope or hand it in at any polling station in your polling district area.

9. What can I do to stop receiving a vote by post in future?
You must cancel your postal vote in writing. Do not include this with your postal vote, but send it separately to the Electoral Registration Officer. Be sure to include your signature, as this is checked against your original application.

10. When can I apply for a postal or proxy vote?
You may apply at any time although there is a very short period to apply in the run up to an election, so do not wait for your polling card to be delivered. Telephone Electoral Registration as soon as you can or download a postal application form here.
To request a proxy voting application form, please contact Electoral Services on 01992 564411.

11. When are postal votes issued?
Usually between seven to ten days prior to the election.

12. But I'll be on holiday then - what can I do?
If you are going on holiday in the UK and have an address to which it can be sent, have your postal vote sent there. If you are travelling around in the UK, you may appoint a proxy. Request a proxy voting application here

13. Why aren't postal votes dispatched sooner?
Because ballot papers cannot be proofed and printed until the closing date for candidates to be nominated has passed (11 days prior to the election).

14. Why can't I go to any polling station in the District?
To do this, the electoral register would have to be held centrally, probably electronically to ensure that someone can only vote once. Over the last few years trials of various different voting methods have been carried out and will continue as the Government intends switching to a more modern method for voting. Currently this technology doesn’t exist locally.

15. Can I stand as candidate?
Check the electoral commission website (click here to go the electoral commission site) for information or download our guide to being a candidate.