Who Can Vote?

In the UK, voting is an important right that allows citizens to choose their leaders and influence decisions that affect their lives. Here’s an easy guide to understanding who can vote and how the voting process works.

Voting System in the UK

  • Democratic Voting: The UK has been a fully democratic country since 1928. This means that all adult citizens have a say in who governs them.
  • Voting Age: The voting age is 18. This was established in 1969. Most adults born in the UK or those who have become UK citizens can vote.

Who is Allowed to Vote?

  1. UK Citizens: All adults who are UK-born or naturalised can vote.
  2. Commonwealth Citizens: Citizens from Commonwealth countries living in the UK can vote in all public elections.
  3. Irish Citizens: Citizens from the Irish Republic who live in the UK can also vote.
  4. EU Citizens: Adults from other EU countries living in the UK can vote in local elections but not in General Elections.

The Electoral Register

To vote, you must be on the electoral register.

  • Registration: You can register by contacting your local council’s electoral registration office. If you’re unsure where to go, check www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and enter your postcode.
  • Updating the Register: The electoral register is updated every year, usually in September or October. A form is sent to each household to fill out the names of everyone eligible to vote.
  • Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, registration is individual, meaning each person must register themselves.

Where to Vote

  • Polling Stations: On election day, you vote at polling stations. You will receive a poll card before the election telling you where to go.
  • Opening Hours: Polling stations are open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm on election day.
  • Voting Process: At the polling station, you will provide your name and address. In Northern Ireland, you must show ID. After that, you receive a ballot paper to fill out in private.

Postal Voting

If you cannot get to a polling station, you can register for a postal ballot. This allows you to vote by mail.

Standing for Office

Most adults in the UK, the Irish Republic, or Commonwealth countries can stand for public office. However, some people cannot, such as:

  • Members of the armed forces
  • Civil servants
  • People with certain criminal convictions

Members of the House of Lords cannot run for the House of Commons but can stand for other offices.

Questions for the Life in the UK Test

Easy Level Questions

  1. What is the minimum voting age in the UK?
    • A) 16
    • B) 18
    • C) 20
    • D) 21
  2. Since what year has the UK had a fully democratic voting system?
    • A) 1900
    • B) 1928
    • C) 1969
    • D) 1980
  3. Who can vote in all public elections in the UK?
    • A) Only UK citizens
    • B) Commonwealth and Irish citizens
    • C) EU citizens
    • D) Both B and C
  4. What is needed to vote in an election?
    • A) A driver’s license
    • B) Being on the electoral register
    • C) An ID card
    • D) A bank statement
  5. Who receives a poll card before an election?
    • A) Only UK citizens
    • B) All registered voters
    • C) Anyone over 18
    • D) Members of the armed forces
  6. What is the voting process at a polling station?
    • A) Fill out a form and leave
    • B) Show ID and receive a ballot paper
    • C) Only speak to the staff
    • D) Take a picture of the ballot box
  7. If you can’t go to a polling station, what can you do?
    • A) Vote online
    • B) Register for a postal ballot
    • C) Call the local council
    • D) Wait for the next election
  8. In which part of the UK is individual registration used?
    • A) England
    • B) Scotland
    • C) Northern Ireland
    • D) Wales
  9. What time do polling stations open on election day?
    • A) 8.00 am
    • B) 7.00 am
    • C) 9.00 am
    • D) 6.00 am
  10. Can EU citizens vote in General Elections in the UK?
    • A) Yes
    • B) No
    • C) Only if they have lived in the UK for 5 years
    • D) Only if they are registered

Medium Level Questions

  1. What is the primary purpose of the electoral register?
    • A) To collect taxes
    • B) To allow eligible citizens to vote
    • C) To track residency
    • D) To provide government services
  2. How often is the electoral register updated?
    • A) Every month
    • B) Twice a year
    • C) Every year
    • D) Every five years
  3. Which citizens can vote in local elections in the UK?
    • A) Only UK citizens
    • B) UK and Commonwealth citizens
    • C) UK and EU citizens
    • D) All residents
  4. What must you do if your personal details change after registering?
    • A) Nothing
    • B) Update your registration
    • C) Re-register completely
    • D) Inform your neighbours
  5. What happens if you do not return the electoral registration form?
    • A) You cannot vote
    • B) You will be fined
    • C) You will be automatically registered
    • D) You will receive a reminder
  6. Which of the following can NOT stand for public office?
    • A) A civil servant
    • B) A retired teacher
    • C) A doctor
    • D) A shopkeeper
  7. In Northern Ireland, what do voters need to provide at the polling station?
    • A) Proof of address
    • B) Photographic identification
    • C) A utility bill
    • D) A birth certificate
  8. How do you register for a postal ballot?
    • A) Call the polling station
    • B) Write a letter to the Prime Minister
    • C) Indicate when you register to vote
    • D) Ask a friend to register for you
  9. Which document tells you where to vote?
    • A) Your passport
    • B) A voting card
    • C) A poll card
    • D) A government letter
  10. How long are polling stations open on election day?
    • A) 8 hours
    • B) 10 hours
    • C) 12 hours
    • D) 14 hours

Hard Level Questions

  1. What must you do to make sure you can vote in future elections?
    • A) Remain a resident
    • B) Keep your name on the electoral register
    • C) Change your address
    • D) Vote in every election
  2. In England and Wales, where can you see the electoral register?
    • A) At the local bank
    • B) At public libraries
    • C) At schools
    • D) At your workplace
  3. What action must be taken if someone wants to stand for office in the UK?
    • A) They must be nominated
    • B) They must have a degree
    • C) They must be a resident for 10 years
    • D) They must be a UK citizen
  4. What is the maximum age to register to vote in the UK?
    • A) 65
    • B) There is no maximum age
    • C) 75
    • D) 80
  5. How can you check if you are registered to vote?
    • A) Call the police
    • B) Check with your local council
    • C) Ask your friends
    • D) Look at the electoral register
  6. If you have a criminal conviction, can you vote?
    • A) Yes, always
    • B) No, never
    • C) Only if the conviction is spent
    • D) Only if you pay a fine
  7. Which of the following is NOT a reason to be removed from the electoral register?
    • A) Moving to a new address
    • B) Dying
    • C) Changing your name
    • D) Being a civil servant
  8. What can you do if you lose your poll card?
    • A) You cannot vote
    • B) Ask the staff at the polling station
    • C) Go home and wait for a new one
    • D) Register again
  9. Why is the voting process private?
    • A) To protect personal choices
    • B) To prevent cheating
    • C) To save time
    • D) To allow discussion
  10. What is a key responsibility of local authorities regarding the electoral register?
    • A) To keep it secret
    • B) To make it available for public viewing
    • C) To update it monthly
    • D) To sell it

Answers to Questions

Easy Level Answers

  1. B
  2. B
  3. D
  4. B
  5. B
  6. B
  7. B
  8. C
  9. B
  10. B

Medium Level Answers

  1. B
  2. C
  3. B
  4. B
  5. A
  6. A
  7. B
  8. C
  9. C
  10. B

Hard Level Answers

  1. B
  2. B
  3. A
  4. B
  5. B
  6. C
  7. C
  8. B
  9. A
  10. B