Published Thursday, 7th May 2015

Voters are being urged to make sure they know how to have their say in the Parliamentary and local elections on Thursday 7 May.

"This election will affect every voter in the borough, so if you are registered, please make sure you use your vote," urges John Jory, Reigate & Banstead's Acting Returning Officer for the Parliamentary election.

Mr Jory continued: "Residents in 18 of the Borough Council’s 19 wards will also be able to vote for their chosen representatives. Borough councillors get involved in very local matters like planning policy and development, housing, parking, bin collections, parks and green spaces, leisure centres and so on, so if you care about what happens in your neighbourhood, make sure you cast your vote on Polling Day."

There is also an election for Horley Town Council’s Horley North Central ward on 7 May.

What you need to know to have your say

  • Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on polling day for you to cast your vote.
  • If you're registered to vote, your poll card will have been sent to the address where you are registered. It will say where your polling station is. You can only vote at the polling station that is stated on your own poll card.
  • When voting at your polling station, it’s helpful to take your poll card with you. But if you don’t have it, don’t let that stop you – you can still vote.
  • If you don’t have you poll card with you, just tell the polling station staff your name and your address and they can check whether you’re on the electoral register.
  • If you need any help to vote, polling station staff will be able answer your questions about the voting process.
  • The polls close promptly at 10pm – so please arrive in good time to cast your vote.

Postal and proxy voting

  • If you have a postal vote but left it too late to post yours back, you can hand it in to your polling station or drop it off at the Town Hall, Reigate up until 10pm on 7 May.
  • If you’ve appointed a proxy, then they need to make sure they vote at the correct polling station on your behalf.

Social media

  • Social media is a great way to let your friends and family know you have voted and to encourage them to do the same.
  • Remember! If you’re taking pictures to use on social media, you can only take them before you go into or after you leave the polling station. Don’t take pictures of yourself inside the polling station as it could be a breach of the law.

Voting help

More information about the elections and casting your vote is available on the voting and elections page or from the about my vote website.

Our elections helpline will also be open from 7am-10pm election day to answer your voting questions, call 01737 276794.