Everyone has a right to vote – including homeless people. Here's how you can take part

Voting is an important right, including for people experiencing homelessness. The lack of a fixed address is not a barrier to voting, including in the important elections coming this year. A general election is on the horizon, but there are also elections across England and Wales on 2 May.

Everyone needs to be registered to vote to take part in elections. Registering is free and only takes a few minutes. If someone is not already registered, no longer living at their former address, or has changed their name, they can register to vote online. They can also apply by completing a paper application form and returning it to their local council.

• ‘Democracy is stronger when more people take part’: Voter ID may stop millions from voting in 2024
• Exclusive: Councils are rejecting one in 18 applications for the government’s new free voter ID

Someone living in temporary accommodation, such as a hostel, may be able to register at that address. If they are homeless, or do not have a fixed address, they can still register to vote by filling in a specific form. The deadline for registering for the May elections is next Tuesday (16 April) at 11.59pm, so anyone that wants to have their voice heard should not delay in taking action.

Voters will need to submit their name, date of birth and a National Insurance number if they have it. If not, there is other information the local authority may ask for to prove an identity.

Once registered, everyone has options for how to vote – in person at a polling station, by post, or using a proxy, which is where someone you trust can vote on your behalf.

A change in the law means anyone voting at a polling station needs to show an accepted form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license or certain bus passes. Expired ID can be used as long as the photo still has a reasonable likeness. A full list of the accepted forms of photo ID can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Anyone without an accepted form of photo ID, or not sure whether the photo ID still looks like them, can apply for a free voter ID document, called a Voter Authority Certificate. Applications can be done online or by submitting a paper form to the council. The deadline ahead of the May elections is 5pm on 25 April.

A voter that would prefer not to attend a polling station can apply to vote by post. Photo ID is not required for this. There is also the option to vote by proxy. This means allowing someone trusted to vote on your behalf – this can be anyone over the age of 18 who is eligible to vote in the election. The proxy will have to show their own ID at the polling station.

We don’t want anyone to be put off voting by paperwork and there is plenty of help available for anyone who wants to take part. Support with registering to vote and applying for the free voter ID is available from local councils. Their details can be found online or by calling the Electoral Commission’s freephone information line on 0800 328 0280. Your local homelessness service may also be able to help you register to vote.

Our research continues to show that people experiencing homelessness are less likely to be registered to vote. The Electoral Commission has been working with charities, such as Shelter, to support people who face barriers to voting. We want everyone to be able to have their say on local and national issues that impact them. So, remember there is just one week left to register for vote for the May elections – don’t miss your chance.

Craig Westwood is director of communications, policy and research at the Electoral Commission.