Last chance to register to vote ahead of general election

Last chance to register to vote ahead of general election

There is just one day left for voters to register to vote ahead of the UK general election on 4 July. The Electoral Commission is encouraging anyone who wants to take part to register before the deadline, 11.59PM on Tuesday. 

Registering to vote only takes 5 minutes, and can be done online, with your name, address and National Insurance number. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. A person can register if they are aged 18 or over on polling day, and are a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. 

2.1 million applications to register have been made since the general election was called on 22 May 2024. 

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: 

“Anyone that wants to have their say at the ballot box must be registered to vote before the deadline of midnight on Tuesday. Registering online is quick and simple so don’t put it off any longer.

“Our research shows that some groups of people are less likely to be registered, including young people, private renters and those who have recently moved house. If you know anyone who hasn’t yet registered, let them know that time is running out ahead of this general election.”

People voting at polling stations will need to show photographic ID. The Commission is calling on all voters to check now that they have an accepted form of ID ahead of the polls. The list of accepted forms is on the Electoral Commission website. Anyone without can apply for free ID called the Voter Authority Certificate, using the same information required to register to vote, plus a photograph. 

Anyone who is unable or does not want to vote at a polling station in Great Britain, can apply for a postal vote by 5pm on 19 June or a proxy vote by 5pm on 26 June. More information is available on the Commission website.

Ends

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected] 

Notes to editors

  • The deadlines in Great Britain are:
        o    Midnight Tuesday 18 June to register to vote
        o    5pm Wednesday 19 June to apply for a postal vote
        o    5pm Wednesday 26 June to apply for a proxy vote
        o    5pm Wednesday 26 June to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
  • Voters can apply to register to vote, for an absent vote, or a Voter Authority Certificate on gov.uk
  • The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
        o    enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
        o    regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
        o    using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, 
        o    aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency
  • The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Welsh and Scottish parliaments.