Elections and voting

Elections Act 2022

The Elections Act 2022 changed the way you can vote in local elections in the United Kingdom.

The law aims to make elections more secure, accurate and accessible.

Here’s a summary of the changes introduced by the act.

Registering to vote

Registering to vote is quick and easy – it takes just a few minutes online.

Postal voting

Postal voting – to qualify for a  postal vote you must be registered to vote. If you intend to request a postal vote, we recommend you register to vote well in advance of the deadline.

Vote by proxy

Proxy voting – you can appoint someone else to cast your vote on your behalf if you have a valid reason: for example, if you are ill, are unable to get to a polling station or are abroad during the election.

Accessible voting and reasonable adjustments

All voters deserve to cast their ballot independently and in secret. However, we know that disabled people face barriers to voting.

The Elections Act 2022 gives disabled voters the right to request reasonable adjustments at polling stations to help remove barriers to voting.

Adjustments you can get in Hackney polling stations

There’s a range of equipment and support to help you vote independently.

If you need an adjustment, send us your request as early as possible before an election to give us enough time to consider your request.

Send us your request by emailing electoralservices@hackney.gov.uk or calling 020 8356 3232.

Wheelchair access

All polling stations are wheelchair accessible, with temporary ramps provided where necessary.

If a station has a step-free route, we’ll signpost this.

Every polling station also includes a low-level polling booth, suitable for most wheelchair users and people of short stature.

Pencil grips

If you have difficulty holding or using a pencil, specially designed pencil grips are available at all polling stations.

Help from a companion

If a disability stops you from marking your ballot paper yourself, you can bring a companion with you to the polling station to help you.

Your companion must:

• be at least 18 years old
• sign a declaration stating they’ve marked your ballot paper as you asked them to

You can get a declaration from the presiding officer at the polling station.

Help from the polling station presiding officer

If a disability stops you from marking your ballot paper yourself, the presiding officer at the polling station can help you with your vote.

Presiding officers are legally bound to keep your vote secret.

Both the presiding officer and poll clerks are also available to answer any questions you may have about the voting process, so you can complete your ballot paper correctly and with confidence.

Tactile devices

For blind electors to cast their vote secretly, we provide a tactile device at every polling station.

This device is attached to the ballot paper and has Braille-embossed numbers corresponding to the candidates.

You can identify your choice by touch, then open a flap that’s positioned directly over the correct voting box to mark your ballot.

Large print versions of ballot papers

Large print ballot papers are available for reference at all polling stations, but voters must legally cast their vote on a standard-sized ballot paper.

Magnifying glasses

Magnifying glasses are available at all polling stations.

Constituencies and wards

Constituencies and wards – there are 4 constituencies in Hackney:

• Hackney North and Stoke Newington
• Hackney South and Shoreditch
• Islington South & Finsbury (part)
• Tottenham (part)

Hackney has 21 wards in total.

Previous election results

Previous election results – this section contains links to previous election results in Hackney.

Notice of Verification Number

See Notice of Verification Number (google doc)

Notice of review of polling districts and polling places

See Notice of review of polling districts and polling places (google doc)

See (Acting) Returning Officer’s report on review of polling districts and polling places for 2023 to 2025 (google doc)

Notice of inspection of election expenses

See notice of inspection of election expenses – Parliamentary Election: Hackney North and Stoke Newington (google doc)

See notice of inspection of election expenses – Parliamentary Election: Hackney South and Shoreditch (google doc)

How to become a councillor

How to become a councillor – whatever needs changing in your neighbourhood, you could be the person to change it by becoming a local councillor. No other role gives you a chance to make such a huge difference to quality of life for people in your local area.