Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a general election for July 4 2024 meaning that many students will not be at university for the polls and thus may need to update their voter information.
This guide will go over how to register to vote in the UK and abroad and how to update your voter information such as your address.
Time Frame
It is very important that you register to vote as soon as possible as you only have until June 18 to register in time for the general election.
The process should only take you about five minutes.
If you register after this date you will be eligible to vote in the general election but will be able to vote in future elections after this one.
For a postal vote you will need to register by June 19 and for a proxy vote you’ll have a little longer as the deadline to register is June 26.
What you’ll need to register
Regardless of what you are registering for you will need to go to the gov.uk website.
In order to request a postal or proxy vote you will first need to be registered to vote.
When registering to vote the most important thing is your National Insurance Number as well as your address, these are what you will be using to register.
If you cannot provide your National Insurance Number, you can prove your identity another way such as through a passport or a recent utility bill but you will need to explain why you cannot provide your National Insurance Number.
What you’ll need for postal and proxy voting
To register for a postal vote you will once again need your National Insurance Number and your address.
For a proxy vote you will need the same things as well as the contact details of the person who will be serving as your proxy.
You will also need to upload a photo of your written signature.
When registering for your postal or proxy vote you must also say why you want this form of vote.
Once you have registered the electoral registration office will be in contact with your proxy to confirm that they are willing to vote for you.
Updating your details
You may need to update your voter details if you have changed address or name since the last time you have voted.
This process is exactly the same as registering and is simply done by going through the gov.uk register to vote page.
If you will be living at university during the election it is best to update your details so you can vote in Stirling.
Please use your vote
That should be all you need to know about registering to vote so please make sure you register and go and vote on election day.
Remember, if you are voting in person you will need a valid form of photo ID such as a passport or drivers licence.
Featured image credit: Pexels.com
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