A general election has been called for Thursday 4 July.
Research from the Electoral Commission shows that young people, students and those who have recently moved are least likely groups to be registered to vote. Young people have an essential role in advancing democracy and you need to ensure your voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on your world. As a student you can register to vote at both your term-time and home address but you can only vote in one location.
Here’s what you need to know to exercise your right to vote in the general election.
Am I eligible to vote?
To be eligible to vote in a general election, someone 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 a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)
- not be legally excluded from voting
- be registered to vote.
For more information, visit the government’s website.
How do I register to vote?
You may have already registered to vote as part of the University’s annual online registration process.
If you want to check if you are already registered to vote, check the Electoral Commission website.
Not yet registered? The deadline to register for the upcoming election is Tuesday 18 June at 11.59pm. Register to vote online via the government’s website.
As a student you can register to vote at both your home and term-time addresses, but you can only vote at one address or it is a criminal offence.
Don’t forget to bring photo ID
New rules implemented in 2022 now mean that you must provide photo ID when voting in person at an election.
Photo ID includes a passport, driving licence or other document such as a passport. If you don’t
have any photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document called a Voter Authority
Certificate.
Find out more and apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for applying is Wednesday 26 June at 5pm.
Away on polling day? Vote by post or by proxy
If you’re away and unable to vote in person on 4 July you can plan ahead and vote by post or by proxy.
To vote by post you must apply to do this by Wednesday 19 June at 5pm. You can apply online for a postal vote.
You can also choose to vote by proxy, which is where you nominate someone to vote on your behalf. You must apply to vote by proxy by Wednesday 26 June at 5pm. You can apply online to vote by proxy.
Polling Day, Thursday 4 July
Polling stations are open on Thursday 4 July from 7am until 10pm.
Once you’re registered to vote, you’ll be sent a poll card telling you the polling station where you must go to vote in person. If you have not received a poll card but think you should, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.
Once you arrive at your local polling station:
- Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.
- You’ll need to show your photo ID to confirm your identity in some elections and referendums.
- You’ll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties or options you can vote for.
- Follow the instructions on the notices in the polling booth and on the top of the ballot paper to vote
You can find out more information about voting as a young person on the Electoral Commission website.
Registering to vote is a quick step that ensures you are able to have your say in this general election and future elections. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity.