How to vote in the 2019 general election 

There are two weeks left until the 2019 general election polling day. Here is everything you need to know about how to vote on Dec 12.

When is the 2019 UK general election?

The general election is on Dec 12 2019. The votes will choose a total of 650 people to become members of Parliament (MPs), who will decide how to proceed with Brexit.

Usually general elections are held every five years, but this will be the third since 2015. 

Who is eligible to vote?

Anyone aged 18 or over can vote, so long as they are registered and a British citizen or qualifying citizen of the Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland. 

Can I still register to vote?

No - the deadline to register to vote was midnight on Tuesday Nov 26.  Anyone who missed this deadline will not be able to vote in this year's general election.

The deadline to apply to vote by post was also on Nov 26. If you are registered to vote by post, your postal vote must arrive at your Electoral Office in the UK by 10pm on Dec 12, the day of the election.

If you’re already registered to vote but unable to vote in person, there is still time to apply to vote by proxy. This means someone will vote on your behalf. You need to apply by 5pm on Dec 4 to vote by proxy in the general election in England, Scotland or Wales.

You can find more information on postal votes and proxy votes here.

How do I find my local candidates?

To see who is standing in your part of the country, visit the Who Can I Vote For? website.

Who should I vote for?

For a breakdown on what we know about each party's manifesto so far, head to our manifesto watch here.

Still unsure who to vote for? If you're thinking of voting tactically to get your preferred Brexit outcome, try our tactical voting guide to get our recommendation on whether voting tactically could actually affect your seat. 

On the day, where do I go to vote?

You will receive a polling card before the election telling you where to vote. It will be a local polling station, set up in places such as school halls or churches. You can only vote at the polling station location on your card.

And how do I vote?

When you arrive at the polling station, give your name and address to the staff members inside. They will give you a ballot paper to select your candidate on. Fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box after making your choice. 

Do I need my polling card to vote?

The polling card is for your information only - you do not need to take it to the polling station and you can still vote if you have misplaced it. 

When are the polling stations open and when do they close?

Polling booths will be open between 7am and 10pm on election day - 12 December. Counting of votes will begin when the polls close. 

What if I can't get to a polling station on the day?

If medical reasons or your occupation, service or employment means that you cannot go to the polling station, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day.

If you already know that you will not be able to make it to your polling station on 12 December, you can apply for a postal vote or register for a proxy vote in advance.