The time is upon us and people from across the UK are hitting the polls to form a new government. Hopes for a laidback summer full of sunshine, football, beer gardens, and city breaks should be put on hold for the time being. It’s going to be about one thing and one thing only for the next couple of days, P-O-L-I-T-I-C-S. Today (on July 4), the UK will vote in a general election to decide the future of the country.
But fret not, we’ve got a nifty guide to make sure you’re prepared and ready to have your say! (And not miss out on summer fun…)
How do I check if I’m registered to vote?
Before we talk about anything else, you need to make sure you’re registered to vote. If you voted in the recent local elections or where quick to jump when the election was announced, odds are you already are, but you can double check by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office. It is too late to register to vote in this General Election, but you can still register for any future vote, including local elections.
Is it too late to register to vote?
If you’re not registered, you cannot vote in this year’s General Election. However, you can register here for any future votes in local elections and beyond.
Where do I go to place my vote?
From schools to local halls, polling stations have taken over venues all over the UK. Your polling station is clearly stated on your poll card, telling you when to vote and at where. You do not need to have your polling card with you, just your voter ID (but more on that later). If you have not received a poll card but think you should, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.
What If I’m on holiday or away during the General Election?
So yes, dropping a general election in the middle of summer – during Wimbledon and the Euros too – isn’t exactly ideal timing. There’s a good chance many of us are away and unable to vote in person on today. It is too late for a postal vote, as your ballot needs to arrive at the polling station before 10pm. However, if you’re registered to vote by proxy, here’s everything you need to know:
How to proxy vote:
One of the alternative options is choosing someone else to vote on your behalf (aka a proxy). You and your proxy must both be registered to vote in the UK, which must’ve been done before 5pm on June 26. There is an option for an emergency proxy vote too, for certain circumstances like losing your ID, illness, and more. For more information, click here.
When it comes to the actual proxy vote, your proxy voter needs to take their ID to your polling station. If they cannot get to your polling station, then they should contact the Electoral Registration Office.
What about voter ID?
If you’re voting in person at the general election, all you need to do is visit your polling station between 7am and 10pm on July 4. There is, however, one small change compared to the last general election in 2019. All voters will need to bring a form of photo ID.
ID you can use to vote:
- 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
Votes will begin to be counted immediately after polling stations close at 10pm tonight. The UK’s Prime Minister will then be decided by which party wins the most seats in the House of Commons.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about voting in today’s general election. Be sure you don’t miss out on having your say on the future of your country!