Manchester City and Manchester United fans have both been warned they may need to arrange a postal vote for upcoming General Election.
The country is set to go the polls on Thursday, December 12, it has now been confirmed after Labour backed a government motion yesterday (Wednesday) for a snap election .
Politicians hope it will break the current Brexit deadline in Parliament after the EU agreed to an extension until January 31.
The polls' unusual timing could have implications for supporters of Manchester's two Premier League football teams.
The week of the election, both clubs are in European action.
The night before polls open, City travel to face Dinamo Zagreb in their final Champions League group game.
Several thousands blues are expected to make the trip to Croatia, with the vast majority likely to travel back the following day -polling day.
Others could stay in the country for longer.
United are at home on election night itself.
They face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at Old Trafford.
Many fans will have to rush straight from work to the game to make kick-off at 8pm, with the game set to finish around the time the polls close at 10pm.
Both sets of fans are being warned to ensure they plan ahead to ensure their voice is heard.
Those travelling to watch their team are being told to arrange a postal vote if they don't think they'll be able to make it to a polling station.
Fan groups at other clubs such as Liverpool have already issued advice to their supporters to not delay in making arrangaements.
How to arrange a postal or proxy vote:
To vote in any election in the UK you need to ensure you are on the electoral register. You can apply here.
You'll need your National Insurance number (you can find this on your payslip or any official letters about tax, pensions or benefits) and your passport if you're a British citizen living abroad.
Once you are registered to vote you can apply for a postal vote, using the government's online form.
You must return your postal vote application form by 5pm, 11 working days before the poll for it to be valid.
You can apply for someone to be able to vote for you, known as a proxy vote.
You can only apply for a proxy vote if you:
- Away on polling day
- Have a medical issue or disability
- Are not able to vote in person because of work or military service
Proxy vote applications are done via a paper form and it normally has to be done at least six working days before the poll in England, Scotland or Wales.
