All you need to know on registering to vote
Registering to vote is simple and takes less than five minutes. To register, you need your national insurance number and address. Every UK resident with the right to work is issued with a national insurance number at age 16. You can find the number on your national insurance card, or on a payslip from your employer.
When is the next General Election?
The General Election can take place at anytime before Friday 24 January 2025. A government can call it earlier than this date. When it takes place, voting will take place from 7am and 10pm in polling stations across all regions of the UK. You can also vote by post, a 'postal vote'.
How do I register to vote in a General Election?
Registering to vote is easy. Head over to gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Registering to vote will take about five minutes.
To register, you need your national insurance number and address. Every UK resident with the right to work is issued with a national insurance number at age 16. You can find the number on your national insurance card, or on a payslip from your employer.
After you’ve registered, your name and address will appear on the electoral register. This will allow you to vote. You can register at any point, except the final few days before polling day.
Am I already registered to vote?
If you’re not sure if you’ve already registered, contact your local Electoral Registration Office to find out if you’re already registered.
You can’t register to vote twice. So if you’re not sure you can put your details in again.
Postal voting
Why postal vote?
Postal voting allows a person to vote without actually having to go to the polling station.
This is particularly good for students, people who work away, who have holidays planned or just those that might find it hard to get to the polling station on election day.
People will usually get their ballot paper before the General Election, giving you more time to cast your vote and post it back.
You can register for a postal vote up until shortly after an election starts.
Who can apply for a postal vote?
Anyone can apply for a postal vote.
How do I apply for a postal vote?
To apply for a postal vote, you need to be registered to vote. Contact your local Electoral Registration Office to find out if you’re already registered.
Once you’re registered to vote, you can apply for the postal vote.
Where can I vote in a General Election?
If you’ve not applied for a postal vote, you will be able to vote at your local polling station.
Before the election, you will normally be sent a card through the post with details of where your local polling station is. Polling stations are usually very close to your home.
Don’t worry if you haven’t been sent a card. If you have registered to vote and had the application accepted, you will be able to vote. You just have to go to the polling station and give your name and address.
