United Kingdom
Make sure you're registered and ready to vote in the United Kingdom. You can register online in about five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote, and you need photo ID to vote in person in Great Britain.
Next Election
August 15, 2029
Voter Portal
Register Online
What's On My Ballot?
ID Requirements
Absentee / Early Voting
Registration Deadline
Register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. The deadline is usually 12 working days before an election; check the Electoral Commission for the exact date for each election. You must also apply by the deadline for a postal or proxy vote.
Why Voting Matters
Why does voting matter in the United Kingdom? Because every eligible British voter holds exactly the same power: one vote. UK voters elect Members of Parliament, devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, councillors and police and crime commissioners. Those choices shape public services, taxes, safety and the economy, and turnout is how ordinary people show up for them.
Turnout was 59.7% at the July 4, 2024 general election, down 7.8 points, so roughly four in ten registered voters did not take part.
Many constituencies are won by a few hundred votes, and local elections are often decided by tens of votes. Check that you are registered, make a plan to vote, and bring a friend.
Voter Assistance Resources
Need help voting in the United Kingdom? The Electoral Commission has free guidance on voting and voter ID at electoralcommission.org.uk, and your local council's electoral services team can help with registration, postal votes and proxy votes.
In Great Britain you need photo ID to vote in person; if you do not have accepted ID you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from your council. Voters with disabilities can ask for help at the polling station, use a tactile voting device and can apply for a postal or proxy vote.
British citizens living abroad can register as overseas electors. The government has said it plans to lower the voting age to 16 for UK elections, so check the Electoral Commission for the latest rules. Contact details and rules can change, so confirm everything with the official election authority linked on this page before you vote.
Sign up to be an election worker
Election workers (often called poll workers) keep voting running smoothly in United Kingdom. Most are paid for their time, get free training, and help their neighbors cast their ballots. You can work a full day, a shorter shift, or help before Election Day. The Electoral Commission directs people to their local council, which hires polling station staff. Find out how to sign up:
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/work-elections
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