The United Kingdom is having a general election on July 4th to choose the next prime minister and government. Here are the key things to know:
- It’s happening earlier than usual – summertime elections are rare
- Both major parties (Labour and Conservative) have a chance to win
- Voters can apply for postal or proxy voting if they are away on vacation
- After the election, new Members of Parliament will be chosen for redesigned constituencies
When is the UK General Election?
The UK general election is set for Wednesday, July 4th, 2024. This is an unusual summer date, as elections more commonly occur in spring or fall. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. across the country.
Will There Be a Labour or Conservative Government?
Current opinion polling suggests the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has a decent lead over the governing Conservatives under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, large shifts can still happen during the campaign period. A hung parliament, where no party wins a majority, is possible but looking less likely based on recent data.
How Do I Vote if I’m on Summer Holiday?
If you are away from home on election day, you can apply for either a postal vote (by June 19th) or a proxy vote (by June 26th). This allows you to vote by mail or designate someone to vote on your behalf. The process is handled through your local electoral office.
What is My Constituency, and Who Are the Candidates?
Due to recent boundary changes, many UK voters will be part of newly redrawn constituencies for this election. To find your new constituency, local polling place, and list of candidates, you can check online at sites likeย www.govukย orย www.democracyclub.org.uk.
The next few weeks will see intense campaigning as the parties make their case.Do you plan to follow the general election closely? What issues are most important to you?
