Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK general election will take place on the 4th of July 2024, saying “I cannot and will not say that we have got everything right. No government should. But I am proud of what we have achieved together, the bold actions we have taken and I’m confident about what we can do in the future.” He also asked, “Who do you trust?” and said that he would fight for “every vote”.
Many will be questioning the timing of this general election, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland where the summer holidays will have already begun. This raises the important question of how we can vote if we are abroad. What about students with two addresses?
How to vote for the general elections by post
Firstly, you need to be registered to vote. The process is quick, you can apply online and all you need is your National Insurance number.
As written on the Electoral Commission’s website;
“There are changes to voting by post. The changes apply to UK Parliament general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.
You can apply online to vote by post and need to prove your identity when applying.
You also need to reapply for a postal vote every three years.
If you have a long-term postal vote that you applied for before 31 October 2023, this will now expire on 31 January 2026.
Your local electoral registration office will contact you before your postal vote expires.
The changes do not apply to Scottish Parliament or council elections in Scotland.
If you are away on holiday or because of work, you will receive a postal vote ballot, with detailed explanations on how to deal with it. If you can’t post it yourself, ask someone that you trust to post it for you.”
Voting by proxy
The alternative to a postal vote is a proxy vote. If you know you won’t be able to attend the polling station on the day of the elections, you can ask a trustworthy person to cast the vote on your behalf. This person, your proxy, can vote for you at the polling station or can apply to vote on your behalf by post. When applying for a proxy vote you need to state your reason. Again, you can apply online six days before the election day.
Please note that residents in Northern Ireland must send a temporary proxy vote application via the post once this is available for the election. It is advisable to allow more time than online applications.
When applying for UK parliamentary elections you and your proxy must both be registered to vote in the UK. You will need your National Insurance or any other identity document, the address of your proxy is registered to vote and contact details for your proxy. The deadline for postal proxy vote is 11 working days before the election day.
More details on proxy voting for residents in Scotland, England and Wales.
A student with two addresses
The Electoral Commission states, “If you’re a student, you may be able to register to vote at both your home address and your term-time address.” “However, for the UK general election, students can’t vote at both their home address and term-time address. They will have to choose one of the addresses and vote in only that area.” Students can also apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote.
Your vote matters in this general election
The UK faces many challenges: poverty with the cost of living crisis, inflation, Brexit, a pandemic of long Covid, environmental crisis – all in the context of a turbulent world. We need a government that holds its citizens as the priority. Now is the moment to pay attention to the various manifestos, the track record and the ethics of those who ask for your vote.
Your vote can make a difference!
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Remember photographic voting ID is now law!
You must show an approved form of photo ID to vote at general elections and some others.
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