Peterborough Local Elections 2026: Polling station tips for first-time voters

For many teenagers and young adults, this will be their first experience of voting in a significant election.

While the voting process is fairly straightforward, it may seem a little daunting to those who haven’t done it before.

However, even first-time voters should have no issues, as long as they keep some of the most important do’s and don’ts in mind:

You CANNOT take photos (not inside, anyway)

As with so many other things, young, first-time voters who are exercising their democratic right for the first time may feel like sharing it on social media in real-time.

This is not a good idea.

There are very strict laws in place around the secrecy of a ballot at any UK election and, as such, taking photos inside the polling station isn’t allowed as it might risk the secrecy of the ballot.

In fact, it’s actually illegal to take a picture of a ballot papers’ unique identification number, and/or reveal how someone else has voted. Those desperate to add a selfie to their Insta should take a picture outside, next to the polling station sign, especially if they’re looking to encourage others to get out and vote.

You CAN vote if you have been drinking

Despite what some people say about needing a clear head to cast a vote, there is actually no stipulation demanding electors need to be entirely sober when casting their vote. Indeed, people who are drunk are just as entitled to vote as anyone else. Of course, this will not apply to anyone who is being disruptive due to alcohol consumption.

You CANNOT vote in any polling station

Everyone who is registered to vote is sent an individual polling card. Every card has a polling number on it along with polling station details. Voters can only vote at their local polling station, i.e. the one written on the polling card.

However, polling station locations can, and do, change so young, first-time voters should double-check the location on their card rather than just assume it will be the same as the one their parents usually go to.

You CAN vote after 10pm

Polls will open at 7am on voting day and close at 10pm sharp. However, voters who were already in the queue at that point will still get to cast their vote, even if it is actually gone 10pm when they finally get into the polling booth.

You CANNOT vote without a photo ID

Under the Elections Act 2022, all voters (except postal voters) are now required to show an acceptable form of photographic ID to receive a ballot paper for local elections.

Photocopies or copies of images on smartphones will not be accepted (this is because photo-editing software could be used to edit the documents).

The good news is that voters can use expired photo ID documents – as long as the photograph is still a good likeness!

You CAN refuse to give info to the ‘tellers’ waiting outside

First-time voters may find the so-called ‘tellers’ who stand outside polling stations a little off-putting. They are not to be feared, they are just volunteers who work for the candidates. Their job is to ask voters for the number on their polling card so that they can check who has voted (this info allows them to go and remind people who have not yet done so).

While they are well within their rights to do this, voters are also well within their rights to say “no” to them.