THE UK GENERAL ELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 4 JULY 2024
Students make up 10% of the UK voting population. We've pulled together the key dates for the UK General Election 2024 so you can make your vote count.
The timeline for the UK General Election
22 May
General Election called
18 June
Voter Registration deadline
5pm 19 June
Deadline to apply for a Postal Vote
26 June
Deadline to apply for Voter ID (Voter Authority Certificate)
5pm 26 June
Deadline to apply for Proxy Vote
4 July 7am-10pm
General Election Day
Every eligible Cardiff Met student has the chance to exercise their democratic right and choose who they want to lead the UK government in the next UK General Election.
Here's what you need to make sure you’re ready...
Check your eligibility
You do not have to be a UK citizen to vote in UK elections.
British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in General Elections. Qualifying Commonwealth countries include India, Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada and more.
Check if you’re eligible to vote- Home - Can I Vote?
Register to vote by 18 June*
You can be registered to vote at your term-time address and your home address - but you can only vote once.
It takes just 5 minutes + you’ll need your national insurance number.
Register to vote- Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Get voter ID by 26 June
You’ll need a valid form of photo ID such as a passport or driving license to vote in the UK General Election. University ID does not count.
You can get a FREE CitizenCard (usually £18) to students and young people.
Free CitizenCard- Get your FREE Voter ID via CitizenCard - NUS UK
Apply for voter ID-Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Vote on the 4 July
You can vote in-person at a polling station (7am-10pm), by proxy (if you cannot get to the polling station on voting day you can request for someone to vote on your behalf) or by post. If you’re on holiday or away from home, apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote and ensure that your voice is still heard. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 19th June. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 26th June.
Find your nearest polling station here- Voting in person | Electoral Commission
Apply for a proxy vote here- Apply for a proxy vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Apply for a postal vote here-Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Useful resources
Simple Poliitics- provides easy to understand, visual information and a weekly newsletter too. Check out their Instagram here- Simple Politics
Who can I vote for?- You can find out more about the candidates standing for election in your area here- Who Can I Vote For?