A Guide To Election Day
The UK’s election takes place this Thursday [4th July] and is set to shake up the country for the first time since 2019. Much has been made about polling numbers and campaign mishaps, but the only thing that matters is the vote itself, with polling stations opening tomorrow for millions to have their say on the country’s future. If you’re a bit lost at everything last minute, we’ve put together a guide to election day, featuring FAQs and trusted resources, so you can stay informed and cast your vote with minimum hassle.
The top line
The election was called several weeks ago by the Prime Minister, with permission given by the King, kicking off the election campaign. You’ll be voting for a local MP to represent your constituency (ie the area you live), or “seat”, in the House of Commons. The aim for the UK’s major political parties is to get enough seats in the Commons to form a government- the magic number is 326 out of 600 seats in total. The leader of the victorious party is then appointed Prime Minister by the monarch. In UK general elections, all eligible voters get one vote for their choice of candidate.
Who are the key parties and figures?
The current party of government are the Conservatives, led by PM Rishi Sunak, with the party having been in power since 2010, and winning the previous election under Boris Johnson (who resigned).
The main opposition is Labour, led by former lawyer Sir Keir Starmer and, judging by polling for the past couple of years, widely expected to end up in government- though everything’s still to play for.
The Liberal Democrats are also a key force in UK politics, led by Sir Ed Davey, along with the Scottish National Party, led by John Swinney (and who only stand in Scotland). Other important parties include the Greens, led by Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, Plaid Cymru in Wales, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Reform, led by Nigel Farage.
What do I need on election day?
You will need to have been registered to vote by 18th June, so assuming you are, the only thing you need on election day itself is a photo ID, under new rules to prove your identity. You also need to find your local polling station in your constituency to be able to cast your vote- you should have been sent a polling card in the post with details (you don’t need the card to vote however). Otherwise, go to wheretovote.co.uk The polls are open between 7am and 10pm, and don’t worry if you’re still in the queue at the polling station at 10:01pm: you should still be allowed in to vote. You’ll need to state your name and address to give to polling staff. When you’re given your ballot paper, mark the box next to the candidate and their party with an X, fold it and put it in the ballot box.
What are the main issues in this election, and how can I learn more?
As with all elections, there are plenty of things that have been dominating headlines this campaign, including the economy, taxes, health, housing, crime, trust in government, foreign policy, wars around the world, immigration and climate change. Of course, that’s a lot to deal with and think about, and why you decide who to vote for is up to you. However, there are a few resources out there to help you read up and inform yourself. Each party also have a copy of their manifestos on their respective sites – see below:
A few guides to the election issues from news sources:
Party social media accounts
What happens after the polls close on election day?
After the polls close, ballots begin to get counted, a process that can take hours into the night (and sometimes days). However, the big event in UK elections is the exit poll, announced by the BBC as well as Sky and ITV News, usually at 10pm. Exit polls are sampled from actual voters and aren’t always totally accurate, but they usually give a pretty good idea of how the night is going to go, so you can go to bed without feeling totally mystified.
What is a hung parliament?
A potential outcome of the election is a hung parliament, which has happened twice this century, in 2010 and 2017. This is when one party doesn’t get enough seats in the Commons, and they often have to search for a deal with other parties to form a government. It’s considered unlikely though, and usually you’ll know by the morning after election day who will have the keys to No. 10 Downing Street.
