Elections - FAQs

With the elections on 3 May 2012 fast approaching, below are some frequently asked questions and answers about voting.

I have not received my voting card what should I do?
Call Electoral Services on 01443 864203 to check that you are on the electoral register.
I have received a voting card but I have mislaid it. Can I still vote without it?
Yes, it's not essential to have your voting card with you when you vote - you can vote without it. If you are worried about whether or not you are registered to vote please call 01443 864203.
I haven't received my postal vote, what can I do?
If it hasn't arrived 4 working days before polling day, or you subsequently lose it, you can get a replacement ballot paper in person from your local election office up until 5pm on Thursday, 3 May 2012.
I have lost my postal vote, can I get a replacement?
Contact Electoral Services on 01443 864203 for a replacement postal ballot pack. The first date for issue of replacement postal ballot packs is Friday, 27 April 2012. You can get a replacement ballot paper up until 5pm on Thursday, 3 May 2012, however, it will be necessary to provide ID.
Where is my polling station?
A list of polling stations in the county borough is available to download below. If you're not sure which one is your polling station please call 01443 864203.
Polling stations (PDF)
How long are the polling stations open on election day?
Polling stations are open 7am – 10pm.
Can I vote at any polling station?
No. You can only vote at the polling station printed on your voting card. If you do not know your polling station please call 01443 864203.

I am disabled/housebound and cannot get to my polling station. How can I vote?
If you are disabled and are able to get to the polling station to vote the presiding officer will be able to assist you if you require it. Alternatively you can opt to vote by post or vote by proxy.

Please note that for the 3 May 2012 elections, the deadline for requesting postal votes was 18 April 2012. Proxy vote applications are still available but the deadline for these requests is 5pm on Wednesday 25 April 2012.

We also have something called a medical emergancy proxy, available up until 5pm on polling day (3 May 2012). These applications must be signed by a doctor or nurse and they are not for 'planned' medical appointments, but for those admitted to hospital after the 25 April 2012.
I have a disability, what assistance can I expect at the polling station?
The majority of polling stations have wheelchair access and all have a tactile voting system available for those who have visual disabilities. You can bring a companion to assist you or you can ask polling staff to assist you.
I opted for a postal vote and I've forgotten to post it. What can I do?
You can still use your vote. You can take your completed postal vote to any polling station in your electoral division, which is usually the one closest to your home. Make sure you seal your vote in the envelope provided and take it to the polling station by 10pm on election day.
If I have opted to be a postal voter, can I decided to vote in person?
No. If you have opted to be a postal voter, you can only vote using the postal ballot pack. You will receive this during the weeks leading up to the election. However, you can complete your postal vote, put it in the envelope and hand it in to a polling station in your electoral division.
I went to the polling station to vote, but my name wasn't on the register?
If your name is not on the register then you are not eligible to vote. It may be that you have not registered or have applied for a postal vote and your name has been scored off the register. Please call 01443 864203.

I went to the polling station to vote, but couldn't because my name was already scored off. Why is that?
It may be that you requested a proxy to vote on your behalf and they have voted for you. If you have requested a postal vote, you cannot vote in person and therefore your name will have been scored off the register.If you have not applied for a proxy vote or a postal vote please call 01443 864203.
I will be on holidays/away from home on the day of the election but I would still like to register my vote. How can I do this?
You can vote by post (closing date 18 April for 3 May elections) or appoint a proxy (closing date 25 April for 3 May elections) to cast your vote for you.
I am a postal voter and the number on my voting card does not match the number on my envelope?
If the two numbers do not match please call 01443 864203. Please be aware that the number of zeros are irrelevant it is only the numbers in the range 1-9 that are applicable (most are 3 digits long some are 4)
Where will I be able to view the results of the elections?
You can view the results from our LIVE feed as the votes are being declared. View the election results here.

Who to contact

Electoral Services
Enterprise House
2 Tir-y-berth Industrial Estate
New Road
Hengoed
CF82 8AU
Tel: 01443 864204
Fax: 01443 864379
Email Electoral Services

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	I have not received my voting card what should I do? Call Electoral Services on 01443 864203 to check that you are on the electoral register.
	I have received a voting card but I have mislaid it. Can I still vote without it? Yes, it's not essential to have your voting card with you when you vote - you can vote without it. If you are worried about whether or not you are registered to vote please call 01443 864203.
	I haven't received my postal vote, what can I do? If it hasn't arrived 4 working days before polling day, or you subsequently lose it, you can get a replacement ballot paper in person from your local election office up until 5pm on Thursday, 3 May 2012.
	I have lost my postal vote, can I get a replacement? Contact Electoral Services on 01443 864203 for a replacement postal ballot pack. The first date for issue of replacement postal ballot packs is Friday, 27 April 2012. You can get a replacement ballot paper up until 5pm on Thursday, 3 May 2012, however, it will be necessary to provide ID.
	Where is my polling station? A list of polling stations in the county borough is available to download below. If you're not sure which one is your polling station please call 01443 864203. Polling stations (PDF)
	How long are the polling stations open on election day? Polling stations are open 7am – 10pm.
	Can I vote at any polling station? No. You can only vote at the polling station printed on your voting card. If you do not know your polling station please call 01443 864203.

	I am disabled/housebound and cannot get to my polling station. How can I vote? If you are disabled and are able to get to the polling station to vote the presiding officer will be able to assist you if you require it. Alternatively you can opt to vote by post or vote by proxy. Please note that for the 3 May 2012 elections, the deadline for requesting postal votes was 18 April 2012. Proxy vote applications are still available but the deadline for these requests is 5pm on Wednesday 25 April 2012. We also have something called a medical emergancy proxy, available up until 5pm on polling day (3 May 2012). These applications must be signed by a doctor or nurse and they are not for 'planned' medical appointments, but for those admitted to hospital after the 25 April 2012.
	I have a disability, what assistance can I expect at the polling station? The majority of polling stations have wheelchair access and all have a tactile voting system available for those who have visual disabilities. You can bring a companion to assist you or you can ask polling staff to assist you.
	I opted for a postal vote and I've forgotten to post it. What can I do? You can still use your vote. You can take your completed postal vote to any polling station in your electoral division, which is usually the one closest to your home. Make sure you seal your vote in the envelope provided and take it to the polling station by 10pm on election day.
	If I have opted to be a postal voter, can I decided to vote in person? No. If you have opted to be a postal voter, you can only vote using the postal ballot pack. You will receive this during the weeks leading up to the election. However, you can complete your postal vote, put it in the envelope and hand it in to a polling station in your electoral division.
	I went to the polling station to vote, but my name wasn't on the register? If your name is not on the register then you are not eligible to vote. It may be that you have not registered or have applied for a postal vote and your name has been scored off the register. Please call 01443 864203.

	I went to the polling station to vote, but couldn't because my name was already scored off. Why is that? It may be that you requested a proxy to vote on your behalf and they have voted for you. If you have requested a postal vote, you cannot vote in person and therefore your name will have been scored off the register.If you have not applied for a proxy vote or a postal vote please call 01443 864203.
	I will be on holidays/away from home on the day of the election but I would still like to register my vote. How can I do this? You can vote by post (closing date 18 April for 3 May elections) or appoint a proxy (closing date 25 April for 3 May elections) to cast your vote for you.
	I am a postal voter and the number on my voting card does not match the number on my envelope? If the two numbers do not match please call 01443 864203. Please be aware that the number of zeros are irrelevant it is only the numbers in the range 1-9 that are applicable (most are 3 digits long some are 4)
	Where will I be able to view the results of the elections? You can view the results from our LIVE feed as the votes are being declared. View the election results here.