How to Register to Vote in the 2019 UK General Election

You will only need to register once to get on the electoral register, so if you’ve already registered for another election or referendum, sit back and relax, you’re all sorted! If you haven’t previously registered (or you’ve moved from your last registered address) registering couldn’t be simpler.

You will need your national insurance number to hand. You will be able to find this on any paychecks, or on any letters about your tax, pension or benefits. If you’re unsure about what your national insurance number is, click here to find out what to do next. 

Click this link to register to vote.

Yes, as a student you can register at two separate addresses so that you can choose where you vote, depending on what is most convenient for you. However, as you might expect, it’s illegal to vote more than once.

If you’re a UK citizen who is 18 or older, but are currently living abroad, then you are entitled to a vote. As you are not in the country, you can register to vote by post or get someone else to vote on your behalf (vote by proxy).

To register for a proxy vote (to get someone else to vote on your behalf) you will have to fill in a paper form and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office. To vote by proxy in the General Election in England, Scotland and Wales, you will need to apply by 5pm on 4^th December, by filling in this form. To vote in Northern Ireland, you will need to fill in a different form by 21^st November.

To apply for a postal vote, you will need to fill in this form by 5pm on 26^th November and the postal vote must arrive at your Electoral Office in the UK by 10pm on 12^th December if you live in England, Scotland or Wales.  To apply to vote by post in Northern Ireland, fill in this form by 5pm on 21^st November.

No, you will have to register for your own vote.

The open register is a version of the electoral register that is available to anyone who wishes to purchase a copy. It is up to you whether or not you decide to be on the open register – you can choose to opt out of this if you do not want your information used.