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General Election 2024
The Prime Minister has announced that the UK will go to the polls on the 4th of July 2024.
This will be the first election in Scotland where all those voting will need to show photographic ID when they vote.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote online and the process only takes a few minutes. To register go to https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and enter your details. You will be asked for your name, address and national insurance number so ensure you have it to hand.
Who can vote in an election changes depending on the type of election being held. As this is a UK-wide general election, the franchise is more restrictive than Scottish Parliament elections. The UK government website above sets out who is and who is not eligible to participate in this election.
When you register to vote, you’ll be asked if you wish your details on the open register or the closed register. Copies of the open register can be purchased and is available on some data websites online.
We always recommend people opt for the closed register to reduce the number of people who have access to your information.
What type of ID is accepted?
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
- Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- Blue badge
- Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card), for example a Young Scot card
- Biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
- Anonymous Elector's Document
What if I don’t have any of these forms of photo ID?
If you don’t have a photo ID document from the list above, you can apply for a document called a ‘Voter Authority Document’ from your local council. This document includes your details and photo and is sent to your home address. This document is free of charge and will allow you to vote.