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UK General Election 4 July 2024: Register to Vote

A UK General Election has been called for the 4 July 2024. This article offers useful information and guidance on how to register to vote and how to check your eligibility to vote.

Beds SU

By Beds SU

Thursday, 23 May 2024

The media is a glow with news of the long awaited UK General Election which will take place on Thursday 4 July, 2024. This article is the first in a series we will publish to offer relevant information and answer any questions you may have.

The priority right now is to make sure you are registered to vote, should you wish to participate in the Elections. 

Can I vote in the General Election?

Anyone aged 18 or over on the day of the Election, with a UK address is eligible to vote as long as:

NOTE - International students can find their country's eligibility to vote on this page on the UK Council for International Students website.

Did you know you can also register to vote if you are currently 17 but will be 18 on 4 July. 

If you are unsure as to whether you are already registered you can check with your local council. If you are NOT but wish to vote then you must register by midnight on Tuesday 18 June, 2024. Registering to vote is FREE and if you can't complete the forms online you can access a printable version  here. 

The form is simple to complete and will ask for information including:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Nationality
  • If relevant Immigration status
  • National Insurance Number (If you don't have one you will be asked to provide another form of ID which could be a passport or utility bill)

I have two addresses which one do I register with?

As a student you can be registered at two addresses for example your parents/family and University address, but you can ONLY vote using one address, so if you are at University on the 4 July and wish to participate make sure you are registered at your term time address.

Do I need proof of ID?

Yes, by law you also require photo ID to vote, if you wish to vote in person.  

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

Other Photo ID that will be accepted includes:

  • 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.

Do I have to vote in person?

No.  If for any reason you can't or don't wish to attend your local polling station on the day of the Election and you know this advance you can opt to vote by post or by proxy (meaning you nominate someone to vote on your behalf). If you are registering for the first time you can select on of these options at the bottom of the form.  If you are unsure whether you have requested to vote by post or proxy you can again check with your local council. 

The deadline to vote by post is 11 days before the date of Election for the 4 July this will June 19, 5pm and to vote by proxy is 6 days before so 27 June.

You can find all the details on voting options and a general overview of the elections so far in this BBC article.