Brits have been warned of the official deadline to register to vote in the General Election on July 4.
The Prime Minister on Wednesday fired the starting gun for the country to go to the polls while exposed to the elements on Downing Street. The rain-soaked statement was poked fun at, with observers questioning why the Tory leader did not use an umbrella in the downpour.
As he embarks on a two-day whistlestop tour of all four UK nations today, Rishi Sunak said he did have a brolly with him “just in case”. “I’m not going to deny that it was a bit wet,” Mr Sunak laughed on LBC Radio.
“I’m not a fair-weather politician. I believe very strongly in the traditions of our country. And when you’re making a statement of that magnitude as Prime Minister, I believe in just doing it in the traditional way, come rain and shine, in front of the steps of Downing Street.”
Anyone who wants to vote will have to be registered by June 18 and they can mark their choice on the ballot paper at polling stations or by post or proxy. For the first time people will need photo ID if they go to a polling station.
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is June 19 and to vote by proxy an application must be done by June 26. Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said: “The electoral community will now be putting all its planning into action, working to support voters and delivering well-run polls. I’m very grateful to all involved for their crucial work supporting our democracy.
“Voters need to be registered to take part in the election. Applying only takes five minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and must be done by 18 June. Voters can choose whether to vote at a polling station, by post or by proxy.
“For the first time at a UK general election, those voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID. Voters should check now if they have an accepted form of ID, and if not to apply for free ID, called the Voter Authority Certificate.”
Voting deadlines
- Register to vote – 23:59 Tuesday 18 June
- Applying for a postal vote – 17:00 Wednesday 19 June
- Applying for a proxy vote – 17:00 Wednesday 26 June
Mr Rangarajan continued: “It’s important that voters can hear from a range of voices over the coming weeks. We call on political parties, campaigners, volunteers and candidates to undertake their vital role responsibly and transparently so that voters can have confidence in the information they see and receive.
“Spending rules are in place to provide an even playing field, and we will be publishing information on donations to parties throughout the campaign for transparency. We also call on all campaigners to engage respectfully and constructively with opposing viewpoints. Campaigning can and should take place without anyone experiencing threats, abuse or intimidation.”