THE General Election is on December 12 and time is running out to register to vote – the deadline is 11.59pm on November 26.
But how can you register online and how can you check whether you are registered? Here’s what you need to know.
Who can register to vote?
Anyone on the electoral register aged 18 or older on polling day can vote.
You have to be a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.
You can register to vote at any time if you are 17, and if you are in Scotland you can register at age 15.
You need to register at least 12 working days before the election – which would be November 26.
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote online on the government’s website.
You will need to know your National Insurance number, date of birth and address.
The process will take about five to 10 minutes.
It is also possible to register by post by fill in a paper form, but if you live in Northern Ireland a different form is used.
How do I find out if I’m already registered?
The easiest way is to check with your local authority.
If you’re not sure which one you fall under simply type in your postcode at Your Vote Matters.
It’s not currently possible to check your registration online so you’ll have to use the contact details on there to get in touch with the council.
If you discover that you’re not registered then you can sign up on the government website.
You’ll be asked to provide your name, date of birth, current address, past address if you have lived somewhere else in the last 12 months, and your National Insurance number.
How do I register for a postal vote?
You don’t need a reason to apply for a postal vote in England, Scotland and Wales.
If you are voting in Northern Ireland then you will have to provide one.
Postal vote application forms must be returned by 17:00, 11 working days before the poll.
If you are not already registered to vote, your application to register must reach the electoral registration office by midnight, 12 working days before the poll.
What if I have moved?
If you have moved house since you last registered to vote you will need to re-register under your new address.
It is not possible to remove yourself from the electoral register at your address unless you move.
When you re-register to your new address, your new local authority will ensure you are removed from the electoral register at your previous address.
You can remove yourself from the open register – the register that is available for general sale – at any time by contacting your local electoral registration office.
In Scotland, details of 14 and 15-year-olds will not be included in the open register.
It is possible to be registered to vote at two different addresses, for example students, however it is an offence to vote twice in the same election.
If you already have a polling card come through the door then you’re already all set up and ready to vote.
