Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK’s next general election will be held on July 4. This decision ends months of speculation about the election date.
What is a General Election?
A general election is when the UK votes for Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons. The UK is split into 650 areas called constituencies, each electing one MP to represent them in Westminster. Most candidates belong to political parties, but some run as independents.
How Does Voting Work?
Every eligible voter gets one vote. On election day, registered voters go to polling stations to choose their preferred candidate, though some vote by mail. The candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins. This method is called “first past the post.”
New Constituency Boundaries
This election will use new constituency boundaries to reflect population changes and balance voter numbers. You can find out your constituency and see how past elections might have turned out with these new boundaries using online tools.
What Happens After the Election?
Once the votes are counted, the King asks the leader of the winning party to become prime minister and form a government. The second-largest party’s leader becomes the opposition leader. If no party has a majority, it results in a hung parliament. The largest party might form a coalition or run a minority government.
Who Can Vote?
Anyone on the electoral register who is 18 or older on election day can vote if they are a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or a Republic of Ireland citizen living in the UK. UK citizens living abroad can vote in their last UK constituency. Prisoners and members of the House of Lords cannot vote.
Registration Deadlines
- Register to vote: By June 18.
- Postal vote: Apply by June 19.
- Proxy vote: Apply by June 26.
Photo ID Requirement
Voters must show a valid photo ID at polling stations. Acceptable IDs include passports, driving licenses, and certain bus passes. If you don’t have an ID, you can apply for a voter authority certificate by June 26.
Parliament Dissolution
Parliament will be dissolved on May 30, meaning MPs lose their status and must campaign for re-election. Over 100 MPs have decided not to run again. During this period, known as “purdah,” government activities are limited.
Election Frequency
General elections must be held at least every five years. The latest possible date for the next election is January 28, 2025, but Sunak has chosen July 4, 2024.
This summary is based on information from the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-62064552