THE 2019 General Election is approaching, so who are the candidates in the running and how can you find out who is standing in your constituency?
Candidates around the country are already preparing to pledge for your vote in their constituencies for December 12.
From November 6, MPs will lose their status and must campaign for re-election, if they decide to stand again.
According to Electoral Commission rules, nomination papers must be submitted by all prospective candidates before 4pm on the 19th working day before the election – Friday 15 November.
A list of the candidates who are standing across all 650 constituencies are also referred to as ‘Statement of Persons Nominated’.
How to find out who is standing in your constituency?
The candidates will be posted to all local authority websites and on notice boards in your area after the deadline for nominations has passed about mid-November.
Official election information for your area can be found at the Electoral Commission website.
And additional information about candidates in each constituency can be found online on the independent website ‘Who Can I Vote For?’.
Why did Boris Johnson call an election?
The Prime Ministerhadvowed to push for an electionif the EU granted a three-month extension for hisBrexitbill.
Mr Johnson sent a letter to the EUrequesting a delay until January 31 after he was compelled to do so whenthe Benn Act was passed MPs on October 19.
On October 28,the EU granted the UK’s requestfor a “flextension” until January 31, 2020.
The UK can leave before that date if Mr Johnson’s deal is passed in Parliament.
Parliament will shut down from November 6.
When this happens every seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant with those wishing to remain as MPs having to stand in the forthcoming election.
You can also follow our live blog below for all the latest General Election 2019news andBrexitupdates….
How do I find out who I can vote for in my area?
You can find out who is standing in your area by typing your postcode atthe Your Vote Matters website.
It tells you which council ward you live in, with a list of all the people standing for election and which party they represent.
It does not say what their policies are or tell you who to vote for. That is up to you to decide.
Local branches of political parties are likely to have pushed election leaflets through your door setting out their priorities.
Many also have manifestos online.
Where is my nearest polling station and what time is it open?
If you are registered to vote you should have received a polling card in the post.
The card tells you the address ofyour nearest polling station, usually with a map.
You cannot vote at a different polling station so it is worthwhile checking in case your nearest has moved since the last election.
If you have lost your polling card, don’t worry – you can still vote without it.
Your local council will be able to tell you where to go to cast your ballot.
And theYour Vote Matters websitealso tells you the address of your polling station if you enter your postcode.
At the polling booth, carefully check the guidance on how to fill in the ballot paper (or papers if there is also a mayoral contest).
In some districts you may be allowed to vote for more than one candidate, but if you choose too many your vote may not be counted.
Polling station staff can help if you are unsure, but will only advise on how to vote – not who to vote for.
If you areregistered for a postal votebut forgot to send it in time, it is not too late – you can take the postal form to a polling station or the town hall.
