Observing elections and referendums
What electoral observers do
One of our roles is to authorise people and organisations to observe UK elections and relevant referendums.
You need to apply to become an accredited electoral observer if you want to observe the:
- issue or receipt of postal ballot papers
- taking of the poll
- counting of the votes
You can apply as an individual observer, or as an organisation.
You need to be 16 or over to be an electoral observer.
Please note that in order to be accredited as an Electoral Observer in advance of the 2 May polls, you must submit your application by Thursday 18 April. Whilst we will continue to process all applications received after this date, we are unable to guarantee they will be processed in time for you to observe on 2 May.