What time do polling stations open and close in London? Opening and closing times for local elections 2022

The 2022 local elections in London are set to take place today, 5 May with the Labour party hoping to maintain their soaring popularity in the capital.

Every seat in London is available, meaning every vote will be crucial with over 6,000 candidates hopeful of an illustrious seat, eager to represent their constituency.

Despite polling stations opening up around the same time up and down the country, there’s still plenty of information you need to know before heading off to vote.

When is the local election?

The local election in London will take place today, Thursday, 5 May 2022, with many in London finding themselves at a polling station on the day.

What time do polling stations open?

Like most places around the country, including in and around the London area, polling stations are set to open at 7am, and will close at 10pm.

This to allow for a large portion of the day devoted to allowing people to vote, accounting for other commitments such as work.

How can I vote?

There are three ways people in London can vote on local election day.

The most common way to vote is in person, where people receive a polling card, which includes details of the polling station where you will cast your vote. Simply head down, fill in your ballot paper and then leave.

Another way is to vote by post, where people cast their vote by post, but have to apply to do so beforehand.

The final way is to vote by proxy. This is where you nominate someone, usually a family member or close friend to vote for you, this could be for a couple of reasons such as work commitments or you’re out of the country.

The deadline to vote via proxy has also passed, but you can apply for an emergency proxy on the day, as long as it is before 5pm.

Are children allowed at polling stations?

Not only is taking children to polling stations allowed, it is also encouraged by the Electoral Commission, the group overseeing election procedures in the UK.

It is encouraged because it is a good way to ease children into the democracy process in the UK, an early introduction to politics.

Despite the willingness to allow children into polling stations, they are not allowed to mark on the ballot paper.

What can’t I do at a polling station?

Due to the implications of voting, there are set rules you must follow.

• Selfie’s are not banned, but it is advised you do not take them as you risk letting people you know how voted, and how people around you voted. 
• You can also let people know via social media that you voted, but photographing the ballot paper is not allowed and could lead to a fine. 
• Political clothing is permitted, but you can not influence the vote of anyone, and can not campaign outside a polling station. 
• People can vote whilst drunk, but can not be disruptive. 
• Political talk is strictly prohibited, and if overheard by staff, they will intervene. 
• You can bring a friend along, but they are not allowed in the booth.