General election 2024: how to vote by post and by proxy if you're on holiday on July 4
Rishi Sunak has announced a summer general election, meaning British voters do not have long to choose their preferred MPs.
The prime minister confirmed in a statement outside 10 Downing Street at around 5pm on Wednesday (May 22) that the election will be on July 4. This is despite the Tories being about 20 points behind Labour in the polls.
“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future,” Mr Sunak said.
“Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament. The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on the fourth of July.”
Labour responded quickly by posting a social media video detailing Britain's economic and social ills under 14 years of Tory rule. Leader Sir Keir Starmer delivered a one-word tweet over the video: “Change.”
So with the election fast approaching, what should you do if you will not be in the country on July 4 and want to vote?
How to vote in the general election by post and by proxy
You can still vote in a general election even if you are not in the country (provided you are registered to vote in the first place)m so fear not. Here's how to do it:
By post (England, Wales and Scotland)
If you'd like to vote via postal vote, you can register online.
You must apply no later than 5pm, 11 working days before the election.
“You can also choose to vote by post simply because it would be more convenient for you,” the Electoral Commission says.
You can also download, print, and fill in the postal vote application form.
Once you have completed the form and signed it, you'll need to send it to the electoral services team at your borough council – find your borough’s electoral registration office here.
You'll receive your ballot papers and postal voting statement before polling day. Post these to your borough council by 10pm on polling day to be counted.
You can deliver it by hand on polling day. If you return your postal voting statement by hand, you must complete a short form, so allow time for this.
Voting in Northern Ireland
There’s a different process to apply to vote by post or proxy if you live in Northern Ireland and will be abroad temporarily on election day.
If you will not have time to receive and return your postal ballot in Northern Ireland before going abroad you’ll need to vote by proxy. You cannot apply to have your postal vote sent outside the UK.
By proxy
A proxy vote can be used when you cannot vote in person, meaning you can ask someone to vote on your behalf.
Someone can be your proxy if they are:
18 or over.
registered to vote.
able to get to your polling station on polling day.
eligible to vote in the election.
You can apply online here.
You must apply by:
5pm, six working days before election day in England, Scotland or Wales.
5pm, 14 working days before election day in Northern Ireland.
However, there’s a different way to apply:
for the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), Scottish Parliament and local elections in Scotland and Wales using a paper form
You can learn more about proxy voting on the Electoral Commission’s website.
