Types of election, referendums, and who can vote

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General election

General elections (elections to the UK Parliament) usually take place every 5 years.

To vote in a general election you must:

  • be registered to vote
  • be 18 or over on the day of the election (鈥榩olling day鈥�)
  • be a British, Irish or citizen
  • be resident at an address in the UK or living abroad and registered as an overseas voter
  • not be legally excluded from voting

There are 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK Parliament.

MPs are elected using the 鈥榝irst past the post鈥� system. You vote once for a candidate in your constituency and the candidate with the most votes becomes your MP.

You can .

Read more about general elections on the .

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Vote in UK elections

  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

    1. Check which elections you can vote in

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You鈥檒l need to be registered to vote to take part in elections and referendums. You鈥檒l need to register again if you change your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote - apply online
    1. Register to vote - apply by post

  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote

  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    If you do not have photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

    1. Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

    Contact your electoral registration office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact your electoral registration office

  5. or Apply for a postal vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    1. Find out more about voting by post

  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    1. Find out more about voting by proxy - including when you must apply by

  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the electoral registration office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the electoral registration office

  8. Step 5 Vote in person

    1. Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post

  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else

    1. Vote as a proxy for someone else