Important election deadlines this week
VOTERS are being reminded of two key General Election deadlines this week.
Today, Tuesday 18 June 2024, is the last chance for people to register to vote in the election on Thursday 4 July 2024.
People can register to vote up until 11.59pm today. You need to be registered to vote in order to vote at your polling station or to apply for a postal vote.
If you haven’t already applied for a postal vote, the deadline to apply for a new postal vote or amend an existing postal vote is tomorrow, Wednesday 19 June 2024, before 5pm.
People can register to vote and apply for a postal vote online via the links in the Related Links section of this page.
Registered voters who are aged 18 or over on the day of the election will take to the polls on Thursday 4 July 2024 between 7am and 10pm to elect an MP.
Louise Long, returning officer for the Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West constituency and Inverclyde Council chief executive, said: “It’s important for anyone wishing to vote in the election on Thursday 4 July 2024 to make sure they are registered and today is the last chance to register before 11.59pm. It only takes a few minutes to register online.
“For those who are already registered, they will start to receive their polling cards in the post over the coming days, if they haven’t already received them.
“Tomorrow is also an important date in the calendar for the General Election as it’s the last chance to register for a new postal vote.
“Postal votes are an ideal way to take part in the election for people who are perhaps working all day on polling day, are going on holiday or have difficulty getting out and about.
“We make sure polling stations are accessible to all but voting by post is a convenient and hassle-free option for many.
“New applications for postal votes must be made before 5pm tomorrow, Wednesday 19 June 2024.”
Information about how to register to vote and to apply for a postal vote is available on the UK Parliamentary General Election 2024 page on the Inverclyde Council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/election or via the link in the Related Links section of this page.
People can check that their name is on the electoral register by calling the local Electoral Registration Office on 0300 300 0150.
Two more key dates are also coming up next week with the deadline to apply for a new proxy vote and to apply for a free voter identification (ID) certificate.
The last chance to register for both is before 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024.
Any amendments to existing proxy votes should be made by tomorrow, Wednesday 19 June 2024, before 5pm.
Everyone who chooses to vote in person at this UK General Election will now need to show photo ID at the polling station or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Eligible forms of voter ID includes: passport; driving licence; Scottish national entitlement travel card; Young Scot card; and a Blue Badge.
A full list of acceptable photo ID is available on the council and Electoral Commission websites or via the links in the Related Links section of this page.
Anyone who does not have an eligible form of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate and applications for this must be in before 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024.
That is also the same deadline to apply for a proxy vote whereby someone can vote on a person’s behalf.
Returning officer, Ms Long, said: “While the deadline for applying for a proxy vote and for a Voter Authority Certificate is next week, it’s better to apply sooner rather than later.”
Key dates:
- Tuesday 18 June: Register to vote by 11:59pm
- Wednesday 19 June: Apply for a new postal vote by 5pm*
- Wednesday 26 June: Apply for a new proxy vote by 5pm*
- Wednesday 26 June: Apply for free voter ID by 5pm
*Deadline for making amendments to existing postal and proxy votes is 19 June 2024 by 5pm.
More information about the election, including how to Register to Vote and important information about new Voter ID requirements, is available on the Inverclyde Council UK Parliamentary General Election 2024 webpage at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/election or via the link in the Related Links section of this page.
