UK General Election 2024
What is the General Election?
The General Election is when voters cast their votes to elect Members of Parliament to the House of Commons. The elected members will represent their local area for up to five years.
When is the election?
The date of the next General Election has not been announced. The Prime Minister can call the next General Election between now and 17 December 2024. The latest potential date for the next General Election is 28 January 2025.
How could this impact University College Birmingham students?
Voting in a General Election means you get to decide who makes the decisions about issues you care about. By voting you can support a candidate who will represent your views in Parliament and work on policies that matter to you. This is your chance to influence national politics.
Who can vote in this election?
To vote in a general election you must be:
- Registered to vote
- Over the age of 18
- A British or Irish citizen or a Commonwealth citizen who has permission to stay in the UK or who does not need permission.
- A resident at a UK address
- Able to present one of the accepted forms of photo ID
How do I register to vote?
Follow this link.
Can I register at more than one address?
Yes, you can register at several addresses by filling out the form multiple times. When an election is announced you can then decide which address to vote form.
I’ve registered to vote before, do I need to do it again?
You need to register to vote again if you have changed your address or any personal details.
I think I might have already registered to vote but I’m not sure?
You can check whether you’re already registered by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office.
Who can register to vote?
People aged 16 and over who are
- British citizens
- Irish or EU citizens living in the UK
- Commonwealth citizens with permission to stay in the UK or who do not need permission.
- Citizens of other countries living in Scotland or Wales with permission to stay in the UK or who do not need permission.
?Who can vote in local elections?
To vote in local elections you must be:
- Registered to vote at an address in the area you want to vote in.
- Over the age of 18.
- A British Citizen
- An Irish or EU citizen
- A Commonwealth citizen who has permission to stay in the UK or who does not need permission
- A citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales with permission to stay in the UK or who do not need permission.
?Can I vote in more than one election
If you live in two local authorities, you may be able to vote in local elections for both areas. You must register to vote in both locations and the Electoral Registration Officers will let you know if you can vote in both areas.
What are the ways of voting?
Voting by post
If you want to vote by post, you must apply for a postal vote.
Voting in person
You will be sent a poll card before an election informing you of when to vote and at which polling station. When the voting period opens you can then attend the polling station and place your vote in person.
If you have a disability and want to vote in person, you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office to get accessibility information regarding the polling station.
Voting by proxy
If you can’t vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf.
Do I need photo ID to be able to vote?
You will need a photo ID to vote in person. Accepted forms of ID include driving licenses and passports. The full list of accepted IDs are here.
The National Union of Students (NUS) has partnered with CitzenCard to offer free voter ID. Apply for free using the code NUS. Please note, the website might state that you will be charged, but once you check out the discount will be applied.
West Midlands Mayoral Elections 2024
What are the key facts about the Mayoral Elections?
The polls will be held on Thursday 2nd May to elect the mayor for the region alongside councillors to local authorities.
The Mayor is the chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board for people living in
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Dudley
- Sandwell
- Solihull
- Walsall
- Wolverhampton
The successful candidate will become the elected leader of the region and will serve a four-year term, working alongside representatives from each of the local authorities.
How could this impact UCB students?
The local authorities agreed to a ‘trailblazer’ devolution deal in 2023 which is an agreement with the government in which the West Midlands combined authority has more control over funding for the area and can take major decisions.
The combined authority mayor and board members (representatives from each of the local authorities) will have increased powers over the following areas, all of which impact the lives of UCB students.
- Transport
- Housing
- Climate control (air quality)
- Economic growth in the region
- Increasing job opportunities
Community building and strengthening connections
?What are the key election dates for the local elections?
- 16 April 2024 – This is the last day you can complete the registration to vote before the Mayoral Election. Register to vote.
- 17 April 2024 – This is the last day you can register for a postal vote. Register for a postal vote now.
- 2 May 2024 – Polling Day – The polls will be open between 07:00 and 22:00 on this day. Find your nearest polling station.
- 4 May 2024 – The results of the Mayoral Election are expected to be announced on this day. Once they have been confirmed they will be made available on this page.