General Election 2017: How to register to vote

A General Election will happen on June 8 after Prime Minister Theresa got the backing of MPs to hold one early.

Here is how to make sure you are registered so you can cast your vote.

  • Who can vote in the upcoming general election?

People can vote in a General Election if they are a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen aged 18 years or older on the election day on June 8 this year.

Voters also must be resident in the UK or have been registered to vote in a British election within the last 15 years if they are living abroad.

Registering to vote only takes around five minutes. Credit: PA

  • How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote online with a simple form that should only take around five minutes.

If you are in England, Scotland or Wales, you can register to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you are in Northern Ireland you should download a form from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland website.

You may need to provide your National Insurance number or if you're living abroad to give your passport details.

  • What is the registration deadline for the general election on June 8?

You can register to vote at any time but there are cut-off dates for specific ballots.

The closing date for registering for the June 8 election has not yet been confirmed.

However, the Electoral Commission says that registration for the election is currently open, meaning if you sign up now you will be able to take part.

Vote counting gets underway at a previous election. Credit: PA

  • What about if you are not sure whether you are registered or not?

If you're not sure, check your local authority's electoral register. There is no online electoral roll so you will have to contact your council's electoral registration office.

Enter your postcode here to find the right contact details for your local office.

If you are a British or Irish citizen born in Northern Ireland, contact the office for your last UK address.

  • What about if you can't vote in person at the election?

People who are away from home or otherwise unable to vote in person can arrange postal votes or a proxy (when you nominate someone to vote on your behalf).

Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for either of these voting methods.

Deadlines for both of these arrangements are still being finalised - check back with the Electoral Commission website for details.

Instructions to arrange a postal or proxy vote can be found on on the Your Vote Matters website.