People in prison have the same right to register to vote as people in the community.
The right to vote should be facilitated and protected within the prison estate, just as it is in the rest of our community.
The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006 provides the legal basis for the enfranchisement of individuals in prison subject to other voter registration criteria.
Voting can take place by postal vote within the prison. No home address is needed for registration, but constituency registration is needed.
A person on parole or temporary release at the time of an election is free to vote in the constituency where they are registered. However, you have no right to temporary release in order to vote at the ballot box in the community.
People on remand have the same right to vote as people who have been sentenced.
If you want to vote but you are in prison, you should fill out the PV6 application form. This is an application for a postal vote for registered voters detained in prison. Relevant forms must be made available in prisons to allow individuals to register for a postal vote. Governors will also need to confirm (section 3) that the person will be in prison on polling day and unable to vote in the community.
People should also be facilitated in checking the electoral register to check that they are registered to vote.
To be eligible to vote in the General Election on 29 November 2024, applications for special and postal voting arrangements, with relevant, completed, certification must be received by the local authority by Sunday 10 November 2024.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.