Election Pilots

Why can’t I vote online or by phone like I have previously?

Swindon Borough Council wants to do everything it can to help ensure that citizens vote in elections, and is always keen to find new ways to engage with electors.

Over the years, the Council has run various trials to make voting easier and more convenient, including numerous trials of online and phone voting. Recently, however, the Government has put funding for new election trials on hold so voters will, at least for now, have to go to their polling station to cast a ballot.

Will I ever be able to vote online or by phone again?

Swindon Borough Council wants to everything it can to help ensure that citizens vote on Thursday May 1, and is always keen to find new ways to engage with electors.

Should the government resume funding for new election pilots, the Council will consider ways in which it might be able to participate to make voting easier and more convenient.

Can I go to the polling station of my choice?

Over the years, the Council has run various trials to make voting easier and more convenient, including the ability to vote at a voter’s polling station of choice.  This year, however, the Government has put funding for new election trials on hold so voters will have to go to the polling station listed on their poll card to cast a ballot.

Can I still cast a postal ballot or vote by proxy?

Yes. Postal and proxy voting are statutory methods of voting, and are not dependent upon election pilots.