Who Can Vote in the UK?
In this chapter
Since 1928, the UK has had a democratic voting system where all adult citizens have the right to
vote.
The voting age was set at 18 in 1969, and most UK-born and naturalized adult citizens have the right
to
vote.
All adult citizens of the UK, as well as citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who
reside
in the UK, are eligible to vote in all public elections.
The Electoral Register
To vote in a parliamentary or local election, you need to be registered on the electoral register.
If you are eligible to vote, you can register by contacting your local council's electoral
registration
office. You can find the contact information on your local council's website or through the "About
My
Vote" website. You can download voter registration forms in different languages from these sources
as
well.
The electoral register is updated annually in September or October. A registration form is sent to
each
household, and it should be completed and returned with the names of all eligible residents who wish
to
vote.
In Northern Ireland, a different system called "individual registration" is used. Each eligible
voter
must complete their own registration form. Once registered, people remain on the register unless
their
personal details change. For more information, you can visit the Electoral Office for Northern
Ireland
website.
By law, the electoral register is available for public viewing, although supervision is required.
You
can access the register at your local electoral registration office or council office. Some public
buildings like libraries may also have the register available for viewing.
Where to Vote
Elections take place at locations called polling stations (or polling places in Scotland). Before
the
election, you will receive a poll card that tells you where your designated polling station or place
is
and the date of the election. Polling stations are open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on election day.
When you arrive at the polling station, the staff will ask for your name and address. In Northern
Ireland, you will also need to show photographic identification. You will receive a ballot paper,
which
you take to a private polling booth to make your choice. It is important to make your own decision
on
who to vote for. No one can force you to vote for a specific candidate. Follow the instructions on
the
ballot paper, and once you have completed it, place it in the ballot box.
If it is difficult for you to go to a polling station or polling place, you can register for a
postal
ballot. Your ballot paper will be sent to your home before the election. You can fill it in and
return
it by post. You can choose this option when you register to vote.
Standing for Office
In the UK, Ireland, and the Commonwealth, most citizens who are 18 years or older can run for public office. However, there are some exceptions, which include:
- Members of the armed forces
- Civil servants
- People convicted of certain criminal offenses
The UK Parliament
Members of the public can attend debates in the Palace of Westminster by visiting the public
galleries
in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
To secure tickets, you can write to your local MP in advance or join the queue on the day at the
public
entrance. Admission is free, but there may be long queues for the House of Commons, with wait times
of
at least one or two hours. It is generally easier to access the House of Lords.
For more information, you can visit the UK Parliament website at www.parliament.uk.
Northern Ireland Assembly
In Northern Ireland, elected members, known as MLAs, gather at the Northern Ireland Assembly located
at
Stormont
in Belfast.
There are two ways to arrange a visit to Stormont. You can either contact the
Northern Ireland
Assembly
Education, visit the Northern Ireland
Assembly website, or get
in touch with an MLA.
Scottish Parliament
In Scotland, the elected members, called MSPs, meet in the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood
in
Edinburgh.
For more information, visit the Scottish
Parliament website.
You can obtain information, book tickets, or arrange tours through visitor services. You can contact
them at the Scottish Parliament,
Edinburgh, EH99 1SP, telephone 0131 348 5200, freephone 0800 092 7600, or email [email protected].
The Senedd
In Wales, the elected members, known as SMs, meet in the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay. For more
information, visit the
Senedd
website.
You can book guided tours or seats in the public galleries at the Senedd. To make a booking, contact
the
Senedd Booking Service
on 0300 200 6565, email [email protected],
or visit the Assembly
website
for an online
booking form.
Make Sure You Understand
- Who is eligible to vote
- How you can register to vote
- How to vote in the United Kingdom
- Who can stand for public office
- How you can visit Parliament
Study Materials
- Introduction to the Life in the UK Study Guide
- Chapter 1 - The Values and Principles of the UK
- Chapter 2 - What is the UK?
- Chapter 3 - A Long and Illustrious History
- Britain from it's Beginnings
- The Middle Ages
- The Tudors and Stuarts
- A Global Power
- The 20th Century
- Britain since 1945
- Chapter 4 - A Modern, Thriving Society in the UK
- The UK Today
- Religion in the UK
- Customs and Traditions
- Sport in the UK
- Arts and Culture
- Leisure Activities in the UK
- Iconic Places of Interest in the UK
- Chapter 5 - The UK Government, the Law and Your Role
- The Development of British Democracy
- The Government
- Who Can Vote in the UK?
- The UK and International Institutions
- Respecting the Law
- The Role of the Courts
- Fundamental Principles
- Your Role in the Community
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