You may have seen Rishi Sunak interrupting your TikTok feed recently, which means you most likely have heard there is an election happening on the 4th of July. Whether you are fully immersed in politics or don’t know much about elections, the most important message to remember is that your vote matters. 
We’re keeping it simple and covering some key information you need to know before you vote. 

Why should I vote? 

Voting isn’t always the most exciting subject, but your vote can create change for you now and for the future.  
A vote is your say on how you want the country to be run. Your vote can contribute towards new laws, schemes, funding, climate change plans and many more things that will impact you. 
You may think ‘My vote won’t make a difference’. You may be surprised how many people want the same changes as you. So why not take the opportunity and have your say? 

How to register for the general election? 

To be able to vote, you will need to register. There are two simple options to register which we have shared below (deadline is the 18th June). 

      1. Download a paper form
      2. Complete your registration online
        You will need your national insurance number to complete your registration. If you are not sure whether you are registered to vote, you can check with your local authority.

Ways to vote: 

We understand that voting for the first time and not knowing how it works can be a little daunting, so we’ve summarised the process for the three ways you can vote. 
To make it as easy as possible to vote, there are a few ways you can have your say.

  1. Vote in person at a polling station

    The polling stations are open early in the morning until late in the evening.

  2. Apply for a postal vote

    If you are on holiday, out of the country, or unable to get to a polling station, this is a great option to vote.

  3. Nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf

    If you are unable to make it to a polling station you can select a trusted person to vote for you.

What you will need to vote: 

A form of photo ID such as passport or driving licence. These can be out of date so long as you look the same as your photo. You can find the forms of ID that can be used here.

How to vote at a polling station? 

Each person has one vote and must be registered to vote. To vote at a polling station it’s very simple, all you need to do is arrive at your local polling station on the 4th of July with your photo ID.

How to vote at your local polling station  

  1. Go to your local polling station.
  2. Show your ID
  3. You will be given a ballot paper
  4. Take your ballot paper to the voting section (usually a section with a curtain or privacy screens) and put an X next to the name of your preferred candidate
  5. Fold your ballot paper to keep it private and put your ballot paper into the polling box 

How to vote with a postal vote 

  1. Apply for a postal vote
  2. A postal ballot will arrive at your address
  3. Complete the ballot paper
  4. Add the completed ballot paper into the envelope marked A
  5. Put envelope A, into the envelope marked B and seal it
  6. Post your envelope to a post box 

How to vote by nominating a proxy  

You can also nominate someone to vote on your behalf called a proxy vote. You and your proxy must both be registered to vote. 

Complete your proxy vote application before 5pm 26th June 2024. 

You can find full instructions on how to nominate someone on your behalf to vote here. 

We hope we’ve covered all you need to know so you feel confident having your say in this election. If you have further questions about voting, the BBC simple guide and  the government website are great places to get extra information.