RISHI Sunak has confirmed the rumours that have been swirling at Westminster and called a General Election.
People across the UK will officially go to the polls to elect the next batch of MPs on July 4, the Tory leader said in an announcement outside Downing Street.
The snap election was called just 43 days before the date voters will go to the polls, which means people do not have long to register to vote.
Here is what you need to know to make sure you have your vote on July 4.
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote – or change your details on the electoral register – on the UK Government website here. There is a green "start now" button about half way down the page which you will need to press.
It only takes a matter of minutes to complete the registration, but you will need your national insurance number and some other key information. If you live abroad, you may need your passport.
First, you will be asked in which UK nation you live – England, Scotland, Wales, orNorthern Ireland – or if you are a “British citizen living in another country including the Channel Islands or Isle of Man”.
You will then have to answer further questions about your nationality, birth date, address, and name, including if it has ever been changed.
You will also be asked if you want to opt out of the “open register”. There are two versions of the electoral register — the full version and the “open” one. You can opt out of the open register, which is the version that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.
Opting out will not affect your right to vote.
Once that's done, the UK Government will confirm your registration with your local council, but your role should be done.
You normally only need to register once, not for every election. However, you’ll need to register again if you’ve changed your name, address or nationality.
The deadline to register is June 18.
How old do I have to be to register to vote?
In Scotland and Wales, people can register to vote at age 14. In England and Wales, they must be 16.
However, you will have to be 18 on or before July 4, 2024 in order to be eligible to vote in the next UK General Election.
Will I need photo ID to cast my vote?
Due to new rules brought in by the Conservatives, every person who wishes to vote in the General Election will need to show photo ID at the polling station.
It will be the first election held in Scotland where the rule is in place – other than the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election in 2023.
Polling has found that people north of the Border are less aware of the new rules than people in England and Wales, where ID laws are also in effect for local elections.
What if I can’t make it to a polling station on July 4?
For people who will not be able to make it to a polling station on July 4, there are two options: postal voting or proxy voting.
To apply to vote by post, you also need to go to the UK Government website here.
And to apply for a proxy, you can do so here.
