Rishi Sunak has just called a snap general election for 4 July, which means we are just six weeks away from the country going to the polls to choose their new MP – and in turn, the new Prime Minister.
There are a few things you need to do in advance of voting, so we have broken down the process of voting to hopefully answer your questions.
Am I allowed to vote in the UK general election?
There are a few stipulations for you to be able to vote in a general election. As cited on the UK Government’s website, to vote in a general election you must:
Be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
Be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
Be resident at an address in the UK or living abroad and registered as an overseas voter
Not be legally excluded from voting
Do I need to register to bote in the UK general election?
Yes, you need to register to vote in elections and referendums. You need to register again if you've changed your name, address or nationality.
Where do I vote?
You can vote in person at a polling booth, via a postal vote, or you can nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf if you’re unable to. Click here for information on how to find your polling station.
What do I need to do if I want to vote in person?
Presuming you've already registered to vote, the only other things you need to do are finding out where your polling station is, and ensuring you have an accepted form of identification when the day comes.
You can contact your local electoral registration office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.
Photo ID is now required to vote. The accepted forms of identification are:
A UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
A driving licence issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
A UK passport
A passport issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
A PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
A Blue Badge
A biometric residence permit (BRP)
A Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
A national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
A Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
A Voter Authority Certificate
An Anonymous Elector’s Document
You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID when you vote:
An Oyster 60+ card
A Freedom Pass
A Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
A 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
A Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
IMPORTANT: While 60+ travel cards are accepted as ID, travel cards for young people are not.
What do I do if I don’t have an accepted photo ID for the General Election?
If you don't have a type of photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
It’s free to apply. You’ll need:
A recent, digital photo of yourself
Your National Insurance number
You can still apply if you don't have a National Insurance number. You’ll need to provide other documents to prove your identity, for example, a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill.
You can also apply by post.
How do I register for a postal vote in the UK general election?
In England, Scotland or Wales:
You must apply no later than 5pm, 11 working days before the election.
If you are in Northern Ireland, the link is here.
How do I complete and return my postal vote in the UK general election?
When voting by post, you should:
Mark your vote on your ballot paper in secret
Fill in the postal voting statement
Put the ballot and statement in the envelope provided
Seal the envelope yourself
NOTE: Post your ballot back as quickly as possible to make sure it’s counted
I’m not able to vote myself. How do I apply for a proxy vote in the UK general election?
In England, Scotland or Wales:
You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day.
If you live in Northern Ireland you can apply here for a proxy vote.
I Am a proxy voter for someone in the 2024 UK general election. What do I need to do?
To be a proxy you must be:
allowed to vote in the type of election taking place
able to vote at the polling station stated on their poll card
Before you vote, you should find out which candidate (or referendum outcome) the person wants to vote for.
You’ll need to vote at the polling station where the person you’re a proxy for usually votes. This may be a different polling station to where you vote.
If you don't know which polling station to go to, contact the local Electoral Registration Office of the person you are a proxy for.
You may need to show photo ID to vote in some elections. Check what photo ID you’ll need. You don't need to show the ID of the person you are the proxy for.
Remember, the first step to participation in any election is to register to vote. So make sure you have, and share the link with your friends to ensure they are too.
For more information about the 4 July 2024 UK general election, visit the Election Insider Voicebox.
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