UK general election deadlines

There is to be a UK Parliamentary general election on 4 July 2024 and key deadlines are fast approaching.

If you are not registered to vote, you have until midnight on 18 June to do so. Remember if you have moved house or changed your name you will need to register again.

For those lucky enough to have turned 18 recently they are able to register too. Don’t miss the chance to have your say. Registering to vote is quick and easy; go to  www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

For the first time at a general election, voters will need to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper in polling stations.

Those without an accepted type of ID can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate, at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

Time to apply for free voter ID ahead of the general election is running out. The deadline to apply for free voter ID ahead of the general election is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

People not able or not wishing to go to a polling station to vote can use postal or proxy voting. The deadline for postal voting is 5pm on 19 June, and for proxy voting is 5pm on 26 June. Requests for each of these can be made online – at https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote and https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote respectively.

7 June 2024