1. Home
  2. Your Council
  3. Voting and elections
  4. UK General Election

Frequently Asked Questions

UK General Election 2024

When will the Election be held?

Thursday, 4 July 2024 between the hours of 7am and 10 pm.

What is the purpose of the General Election?

The purpose of the General Election is to elect a Member to represent the West Dunbartonshire County Constituency on the U.K. Parliament.

Who will the candidates be for the General Election?

 The nomination period for candidates will close at 4pm on Friday, 7 June 2024 and after 5pm on that day a notice will be published on the Council’s website and at main council buildings providing details of all candidates who will stand for election in this area.

How do I vote?

Voters are asked to place a single X beside the party/candidate of their choice.

Pencils or pens can be used to mark the ballot paper.

What are the hours of poll?

 7am until 10pm

I live in Glasgow – why have I received a West Dunbartonshire Poll Card/Postal Vote?

The Boundary of the West Dunbartonshire County Constituency has changed for UK parliamentary elections and now includes a polling district from the Glasgow area.  This means you will be voting for and will be represented by the MP for West Dunbartonshire in future years. 

This does not apply to local elections and Scottish parliamentary elections.

The deadline for registration to vote is midnight on Tuesday, 18 June 2024.

How do I get on the register?

Refer to website https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

I have moved house.  How do I change my details?

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

How do I know whether I am registered to vote?

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

If I pay Council tax or have returned my census am I automatically entitled to vote?

No, registration is a separate process.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

I am Student and am not sure where to register to vote?

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

The ERO will advise you on your options. 

Can I vote at this General Election?

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

The ERO will check eligibility to vote.

I think I may be away when the General Election takes place. How can I vote?

 You can apply for a postal vote.  The deadline for applications for postal votes is Wednesday, 19 June 2024 at 5pm.  You can download an application form from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  or obtain one from the Electoral Registration Office.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200. The completed form must be returned to the ERO at 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444. The completed form must be returned to the ERO at 40 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE.

In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a proxy vote. Contact the ERO for full information.

I will not be away but would prefer to vote by post? Can I still get a postal vote?

Yes. The deadline for applications for postal votes is Wednesday, 19 June 2024 at 5pm. You can download an application form from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or obtain one from the Electoral Registration Office.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200. The completed form must be returned to the ERO at 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444. The completed form must be returned to the ERO at 40 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE.

What is a proxy vote?

A proxy vote is when you choose a family member to cast your vote for you.  The proxy can vote in person or by post. 

If you are amending an existing postal proxy vote, you must return your application by 5pm on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.

To appoint a proxy voter (non postal) at this General Election, you must submit your application by 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June 2024.

 If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

The ERO will confirm if you are eligible.

A proxy can vote for a maximum of 4 people. No more than 2 of those people can be domestic electors. Domestic electors are voters who are neither overseas voters nor service voters. For more information on proxy voting and other ways to apply, visit How to vote by proxy | Electoral Commission

A member of my family has taken ill or cannot go to the polling place because of work reasons and won’t be able to vote.

After 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June 2024 they may qualify for an emergency proxy vote.

The ERO will confirm if they are eligible to appoint a proxy.

Emergency proxy votes can be applied for up until 5pm on polling day itself.  The Electoral Registration Office will decide whether the proxy can be granted.

If after 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, you are unable to vote in person because you have a medical emergency or are following the advice of a registered medical practitioner or you learn you cannot go to the Polling Station because of work reasons or have been sentenced to a period of detention of 12 months or less, you can apply to vote by proxy.  Completed applications must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Thursday, 4 July 2024. 

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200 to find out how to apply.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444 to find out how to apply.

How do I know where I go to vote?

You will receive a poll card before the General Election.  That card will tell you where you are registered to vote.  It will also tell you if you have registered for a postal vote.

I’ve lost my poll card – can I still vote?

You don’t need your poll card to vote (unless you are an anonymous voter).  Just go to your polling place and tell the clerk your name and address. If you cannot remember your polling place refer them to the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

A copy of the Notice of Situation of Polling Places will be published on the Council’s website on Friday, 7 June 2024 after 5 pm.

Voters in Scotland need to show photo ID to vote at polling places in UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.

What forms of ID are accepted?

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling place.

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
  • A Blue Badge

Local travel

  • Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
  • Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • Freedom Pass
  • 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
  • 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), for example a Young Scot card

Other government issued documents

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.

What if I don’t have an accepted form of ID?

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if:

  • you don't have an accepted form of photo ID
  • you're not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
  • you're worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker

How do I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?

You need to be registered to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.

When you register to vote, you will be asked whether you have photo ID or if you want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200 for a form. You may also be able to apply in person at your local Electoral Registration Office - 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444 for a form. You may also be able to apply in person at your local Electoral Registration Office - 40 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact the Electoral Registration Office.

Do I need ID if I am voting by post?

 You don't need photo ID to vote by post. You don't need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you choose to vote this way.

I live on a houseboat or other movable residence – can I still vote?

You can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. It will be posted to the address where you are registered to vote.

If you need to collect it in person and you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you need to collect it in person and you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

Can I use my ID if it is out of date?

You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, as long as it looks like you.

The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.

Do I need to show ID as an anonymous voter?

No, but you will need to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

What provision is made for people with disabilities?

  • Access issues are taken into consideration for all electoral procedures: when planning for an election or referendum; on polling day itself; and during the electoral registration process. See further details below.

What provision is made for blind or visually impaired voters?

  • Tactile voting templates, large print versions of ballot papers, magnifying lenses and pencil grips are available at all polling stations.
  • You can also take a companion with you to assist you or ask the presiding officer at the polling station for help.
  • You could apply for a postal vote or to vote by proxy.

What provision is there for people for whom English is not their first language?

  • All ballot papers are in English – this is the law.
  • Registration and postal voting forms are available in a number of different languages – refer to Electoral Registration Office on 0141 562 1200.

What provision is there for wheelchair users?

  • Each polling station is different. However, in choosing venues for polling places, the Council ensures that they are all accessible by wheelchair.
  • All polling places will have a lowered voting booth suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Alternatively, you could apply for a postal vote to allow you to vote from home; or nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf.

For more information on your Polling Place, please contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

Who is entitled to apply for a postal vote?

Any person who is on the Register of Electors and eligible to vote at the Election is entitled to a postal vote, but they have to apply to the Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 for this General Election.  Download details from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  or ask for a form from the Electoral Registration Office.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

How do I apply for a postal vote?

Download details from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or ask for a form from the Electoral Registration Office.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200. Forms must be returned to the Electoral Registration Office at 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank by the closing time and date.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444. Forms must be returned to the Electoral Registration Office at 40 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE by the closing time and date.

I want to change my postal vote details/I don’t want a postal vote anymore

To change, you need to contact the Electoral Registration Office.  You have to advise the ERO in writing before the cut off date, which is Wednesday, 19 June 2024 by 5pm.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

Information about postal votes

I haven’t received my postal vote

This year, the majority of postal votes should arrive after Friday, 21 June 2024, depending on when the application was made. 

If you are enquiring after Friday, 21 June 2024, please contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643

I have received a postal vote, but I don’t understand what I have to do.

Please contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

I have lost my postal vote

If the postal vote is lost in the post it can be cancelled and re-issued. Please contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 who will explain the procedure.

I have made a mess of my postal vote.  Can I get a new one?

Yes, but you must contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 who will explain the procedure concerning the spoilt ballot paper.

Why do I have to sign my postal vote application and put on my date of birth?

This is a security measure.  The signature and date of birth on the statement are compared electronically to the ones you supplied on your application for a postal vote.  If you don’t fill them in or if they don’t match the originals, your votes will not count.

If I sign and give my date of birth, can anyone know how I have voted?

No.  The statement will be kept separate from the envelope containing your ballot papers, so no-one will see both of them together.

When does the postal vote have to be returned?

Postal votes have to be returned to the Returning Officer by 10pm on polling day – Thursday, 4 July 2024 or you can hand it in to any polling place in the West Dunbartonshire Constituency area.

How many postal votes can I hand in?

Voters will not be allowed to hand in more than five postal ballot packs (in addition to their own). When handing in postal votes, voters will need to complete a form.

Voters will need to include their name and address, how many postal votes they are handing in and why they are handing in those postal votes. Postal votes will be rejected if the form is not completed or they hand in more postal votes than is allowed.

How do I know if you have received my postal vote?

We will not open any postal votes received until Friday, 21 June 2024.  Contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 after Monday, 24 June 2024 and we will be able to check if the vote has been received.

I have received a postal vote but I would prefer to vote in person

Once you receive a postal vote, you are not allowed to vote in person at a polling station, but, if you want, you can complete your postal vote, seal it in the envelope provided and hand it in to any polling place in the West Dunbartonshire Constituency area. You must not put it in the ballot box.

For further advice contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

I’ve lost my poll card – can I still vote?

You don’t need a poll card to be able to vote, you just have to give the clerk your name, address and ID.

If you are an anonymous voter you must provide your poll card. Contact the Election Office for a replacement on 01389 737 643.

I haven’t received a poll card.  How can I vote?

You don’t need a poll card to be able to vote.  You just have to give the clerk your name, address and ID.  However, to be on the safe side, it is best to check that your name is on the register. Refer to Electoral Registration Office on 0141 562 1200

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

I have received a poll card for a member of my family who no longer lives here

This means that your relative is still registered at your address on the electoral register. 

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

My relative has died but has received a poll card?

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200, as they will need to remove the deceased relative from the register.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444 as they will need to remove the deceased relative from the register.

I have received a poll card for someone who doesn’t live at my address

This means that the person is on the register at your address.  It may be that they lived there before you and the Electoral Registration Office has not been advised of the change, or it may simply be a clerical error.  The ERO will help you deal with this.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 562 1200.

If you live in Glasgow City, please contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) on 0141 287 4444.

When will the votes be counted?

The votes will be counted overnight after close of poll on Thursday, 4 July 2024.

Where is the Count held?

The Count will be held in Clydebank Leisure Centre, Queens Quay, Aurora Avenue, Clydebank, G81 1BF.

Is it open to the public?

No, you have to be an agent for one of the candidates or an official observer authorised by the Electoral Commission.

When will the results be announced?

The results will be published on the Council website on Friday, 5 July 2024. However, the result will also be announced on national television.