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Postal voting and the polling station

Study note

On the day of an election, known as polling day, most people vote at a local building called a polling station, which is known as a polling place in Scotland. When you arrive you are given a ballot paper, and you take it into a polling booth to mark your choice in private. This privacy is part of the secret ballot, so no one can see how you voted.

Not everyone can easily get to a polling station, perhaps because of work, illness or being away from home. If this applies to you, you can apply in advance to vote by post instead, and your ballot paper is sent to you to fill in and return. For the test, remember that you mark your ballot in private at a polling station, and that a postal vote is available if you cannot attend in person.

Memory tip: Vote in private at a polling station, or apply for a postal vote if you cannot attend.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

What can you apply for if you find it difficult to get to a polling station?

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Show all questions and answers for Postal voting and the polling station(2 questions with explanations)

Postal voting and the polling station: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What can you apply for if you find it difficult to get to a polling station?

    • A proxy MP
    • A postal vote
    • A free taxi
    • A second vote

    Correct answer: A postal vote

    People who cannot easily attend a polling station can apply for a postal vote.

  2. 2. At a polling station you mark your ballot paper in private.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. You fill in your ballot paper privately in a polling booth.

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