This page provides important information on the steps you may need to take in order to participate in elections.
Why should I register to vote?
Registering to vote is essential to participate in both local and national elections. If you’re not registered, you won鈥檛 be able to have a say in choosing who represents you.
Who can register to vote in England?
To register, you must be:
- 16 years old or over (but you can only vote from age 18).
- A UK or Irish citizen.
- A听听living in the UK.
- A听听living in the UK.
Each individual is responsible for registering themselves.
Can students register to vote?
Yes, students can register at both their home and term-time addresses. On polling day, they can choose where it’s most convenient to vote. Note that you can only vote once in general elections, but you can vote in both home and term-time local elections.
Which elections can I vote in?
The types of elections and referendums that you can vote in can be found on 迟丑别听.
How do I register to vote?
You can register听听or听. Online registration is quick and easy. The registration process usually take about 5 minutes. You鈥檒l need to provide:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance number
Once registered, you鈥檒l receive confirmation from your local electoral registration office.
Where can I register to vote?
As a student, you may be eligible to register at two addresses:
- Your term-time address (e.g. university accommodation or private rental)
- Your home address (where you usually live outside of term time)
You can听only vote once per election, but registering at both addresses means you can choose where to vote depending on where you鈥檒l be at the time. It鈥檚 important to note that voting more than once in the same election is illegal.
How do I find my National Insurance Number?
Your National Insurance number is on your National Insurance card or in official documents like payslips, P60s, or tax/benefits letters.
If you can鈥檛 find it, visit听听or call 0300 200 3500.
How do I check if I am already registered?
If you’re unsure whether you鈥檙e registered, contact your local electoral registration office. You can find 迟丑别听by simply entering your postcode.
For more details, visit 迟丑别听.
Making sure that your details are accurate and up-to-date
If you change your name, address, or nationality, then you will need to update your details and register again. Address changes are common for students, so, if you want to remain eligible to vote, you will need to visit the each time that you move and update your details on the register.
Students can register to vote at both their term-time and home address. If local elections are taking place in different council areas, you may be able to vote in both. However, it is illegal to vote more than once in the same election. This means that in UK Parliamentary elections, devolved legislature elections, and referendums, you can only vote once and must choose which address you will vote from.
What if I am not able to vote in person?
Depending on your circumstances, you can vote:
- By post听()
- By proxy听()
If you’re away from your registered address on election day, postal or proxy voting might be the best option.
Registration deadlines
Registration deadlines vary depending on the type of election. To make sure you don鈥檛 miss out:
- Check听.
- Register early, don鈥檛 wait until the last minute.
Voter photo ID
You now need to show听photo ID听to vote in person in UK general elections and many local elections. Accepted forms include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Other ID –听听to view accepted ID
If you don鈥檛 have valid ID, you can apply for a free听.
Further information
If you want to find more information, the has everything you need to know about how voting works in the UK.
