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UK General Election July 2024: How to Vote

This is the second article in a series seeking to ensure our students are well informed about the forthcoming General Election here in the UK. Read on to find out more about how to vote.

Beds SU

By Beds SU

Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Registration to vote in the upcoming elections has now closed. If you are registered you now need to decide on the method by which you wish to vote. There are three options as follows:

Vote by post 

You can apply to vote via post, the forms will be sent to your address in advance of the 4 July and you will be able to place your vote and put back in the post.

The deadline to apply for postal voting is today June 19 at 5pm (last post of the day).

Vote by proxy 

You can also nominate someone to vote at the polling station on your behalf, this is known as a Proxy vote. To apply for this you must do so before the 27 June and can do so here.

Vote in Person

Voting in person will take place on 4 July and if you wish to use this method you can do by attending your local Polling Station. Your Polling Station is a local venue such as a school or community centre in your postcode where you can attend between the hours of 7am to 10pm.

How do I find my polling station?

You should have had a Poll card through the post or will do two weeks before the 4 July, this will include details of the venue you are registered to vote at. You can also check the electoral commission website here and place your postcode in search box. This will generate the details of the polling station/venue you are registered to vote at.

Please note your Poll card will be sent to the address you are registered at so if it is different to your term time address then you will need to ensure you can get to the polling station linked to your registered address if you wish to vote in person.

What can I expect at the polling station

This may be your first time voting in an election and the Electoral Commission has but together a step-by-step video guide as to what you can expect.

Should you or someone you know require support and access equipment to vote you can also view or listen to a guide here. The video offers guidance on who to contact in advance at your local council and how support can be offered.

Polling stations are supported by a team of staff who are on hand to answer any questions you may have on the day.

Polling Stations are a safe and inclusive space allowing anyone who wishes to place their vote in person the opportunity to do so.

What do you I need to take with me?

If you are voting at the polling station you will require a form of Photo ID.

Students can apply for FREE voter ID here using the code 'NUS'.

  • 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
  • Blue Badge
  • Certain concessionary travel cards
  • Identity card with PASS mark
  • Biometric Immigration Document
  • Certain National Identity cards

Or you can apply for a Free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for this certificate is 5pm Friday 26 June.

If you have any questions about any of the above or need help in accessing forms please drop by the Beds SU office in Luton G110 or contact us via email at help@bedssu.ac.uk.

In the coming days we will share details of the key outtakes of each of the parties manifestos that we believe are relevant to the student community here at the University of Bedfordshire.