Voting if you have a second home or you're a student
If you split your time between two homes, you may be able to register to vote at both addresses.
For example, this might be if you:
- own two properties and split your time between them
- are a student with a home address and your term-time address
- spend time at different family addresses.
If you apply to register to vote from your second home, then your application will be looked at on a case by case basis. The outcome will depend on the amount of time you spend at each of your addresses.
You can check (for free) if you're already registered to vote in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
You can also check if you're registered at another address by contacting the local council of that area.
Voting
Being registered at two addresses doesn't necessarily mean you get two votes.
You will need to choose one address and vote in only that area when you're voting in:
- UK Parliament elections
- UK referendums
You can't vote at both addresses at these elections. Voting in more than one location is a criminal offence.
For other elections you can vote at both addresses.
You can choose to vote in either or both areas (as long as the addresses are in different council areas) when you're voting in:
- Local council elections in England
- Police and Crime commissioner elections and mayoral elections
Make sure you understand the rules for the election you are voting in.