Voting is one of the rights and responsibilities of life in the UK. The handbook expects you to know who is eligible, how the electoral register works and what kinds of election there are.
Who can vote
- British citizens aged 18 or over.
- Qualifying Commonwealth citizens (such as nationals of India, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia and Canada) resident in the UK.
- Republic of Ireland citizens resident in the UK.
- EU citizens resident in the UK can vote in some local elections, but rules now vary by country and by election type.
Registering to vote
You must be on the electoral register before you can vote. You can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote or by paper form. The deadline is usually 12 working days before an election. You must register again if you move house.
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Voter ID
Since 2023, voters in England, Scotland and Wales need to bring an accepted form of photo ID to vote in person at UK general elections, English local elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Accepted IDs include a UK passport, driving licence, biometric residence permit and certain bus passes for older people. If you do not have one you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Types of election
- UK general elections — choose your MP for the House of Commons.
- Devolved elections — for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd and Northern Ireland Assembly.
- Local elections — for your council, mayor or Police and Crime Commissioner.
- By-elections — held when a single seat becomes vacant.
On polling day
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. Take your poll card (helpful but not required) and your photo ID. Your name will be checked off, you will be handed a ballot paper, and you mark a single X next to your chosen candidate. Counting begins after the polls close.
Keep going
- Read the full study notes for Government & Law.
- Try a practice test on this chapter.
- Sit a full 24-question timed mock.
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