General election June 2017: How can I register to vote? When is it? Am I already registered?

Liz Connor
Updated
The UK looks likely to hold a general election this year: AFP/Getty Images
The UK looks likely to hold a general election this year: AFP/Getty Images

Theresa May has called for a snap election to be held this summer - three years earlier than scheduled.

The PM will today lead a vote in the House of Commons to authorise the move. If MPs vote for an early election by a two thirds majority, the UK’s polls will open in June.

With both Jeremy Corbyn and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron welcoming the idea, Britain looks likely to head for another general election - leaving party leaders just seven weeks to spread their campaign messages and secure voters ahead of the proposed date.

Wondering how you can get your vote in? Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the election?

Theresa May is calling for the election to be held on June 8, 2017.

Why has it been held?

The PM’s official reason for holding an election is to strengthen her hand in the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

Can the PM call for an early election?

Yes. British Prime Ministers could previously hold a general election whenever they felt it necessary - but new laws passed by David Cameron changed that.

Under the 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments Act, a general election is supposed to take place every five years on the first Thursday in May.

The next general election was scheduled for May 2020.

However, an election can be still called ahead of schedule if there is a vote of no confidence in the current government, or if MPs vote for an early election by a two thirds majority.

Theresa May is vying for the second option, which will require MPs to vote in favour of having an early election.

Am I eligible to vote?

You can vote if you’re registered and are 18 or over on the day of June 8. To vote, you must be one of the following:

• A British citizen living in the UK

• A Commonwealth citizen living in the UK who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require leave to remain in the UK

• A British citizen living overseas who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years

• An Irish citizen living overseas who was born in Northern Ireland and who has been registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote by visiting gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will need to provide your name, address, National Insurance number and then decide whether you want to vote by post or at a polling station. The process takes around three minutes in total to complete.

You can still register to vote even if you do not have a fixed address. This may be because you are:

  • A hospital patient

  • Homeless

  • A merchant seaman

  • Part of the gypsy or travelling community

  • Living on a boat or other moveable residence

  • A person remanded in custody

If the above is applicable, you can register at an address where you spend a substantial part of your time. This could be a previously permanent address, shelter or similar place.

To register, you need to fill in a form called a 'Declaration of local connection', which can be downloaded here.

How do I know if I’m already registered to vote?

Local authorities hold the electoral registers for their area. You can find the contact details of your local office by entering your postcode here.

You will then need to contact your local registration office to find out if you are currently registered.

If you’ve moved home since the last time you voted, then you will need to re-register at your new property.

How can I vote?

You should receive a polling card in the post. The card will provide details about the name and address of the polling station that’s closest to your house.

If your polling card has not arrived by vote, you can contact your local authority to find out where your allocated polling station is.

How long do I have to get my postal vote in?

The closing date for registering for the June 8 election has not yet been confirmed - check back with the Electoral Commission website for details.

The Electoral Commission says that registration for the election is currently open, meaning you should sign up now if you’re wanting to get your vote in by post.

Can someone else vote for me?

People who are unable to vote in person can arrange postal votes or a proxy - which is the process of nominating someone to vote on your behalf.

Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for either of these voting methods.

Instructions to arrange a postal or proxy vote can be found on on the Your Vote Matters website.