UK parliamentary by-elections
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UK parliamentary by-elections
A UK parliamentary by-election happens when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant between general elections.
A seat can become vacant when an MP:
- resigns or dies
- is declared bankrupt
- takes a seat in the House of Lords
- is convicted of a serious criminal offence
- is recalled by their constituents following a successful recall petition
A by-election does not have to take place if an MP changes political party.
Who can vote in these elections
To vote at a UK parliamentary by-election you must be registered to vote and:
- be 18 years of age or over on polling day
- be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
- be resident at an address in the UK (or a UK citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)
- not be legally excluded from voting
The following people cannot vote in a UK Parliament election:
- members of the House of Lords
- EU citizens (other than the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta) resident in the UK
- anyone other than British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens
- convicted persons detained in pursuance of their sentences, excluding contempt of court (though remand prisoners, unconvicted prisoners and civil prisoners can vote if they are on the electoral register)
- anyone found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election
Voting in these elections
UK parliamentary by-elections use the first past the post system. You will only be able to vote for one candidate, by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your choice.
MPs usually sit for a five-year term. However, when a MP is elected through a by-election, they will serve for the remainder of the original term. For example, if a by-election takes place one year after a general election, the MP who is elected will serve for four years until the next general election.
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