There's a General Election taking place on 12 December 2019. Postal votes will be taking place before this date but on 12 December we’ll be heading to the ballot boxes to vote for a new government to lead the UK (or keep the old one).
This election is especially important because it will shape the kind of Brexit we have. As of now, pretty much all cards are on the table; the PM’s current proposed deal, no-deal, another extension, or perhaps a second referendum are all possibilities depending on the results of this election.
Whether you’re a hardline Brexiteer, remainer, or somewhere in the middle, this election is an opportunity to get your voice heard and make an impact on the future of your country and, more importantly, your future. As young adults, we students have the most stakes to win or lose according to how this goes and therefore we must take it upon ourselves to be heard by the government.
Why has a General Election been called?
The current ruling party, Conservatives, have called a General Election because they don’t have a majority in Parliament meaning that Conservative proposals on Brexit have had a harder time passing through Parliament. The Conservatives want to change this with a General Election and get a Conservative majority through. This will mean that they can get their motions passed a lot quicker and with less resistance.
This isn’t just about Brexit
This isn’t an election just to side with whoever aligns with your thoughts on Brexit. It’s still a vote on matters central to the UK: on the management of the NHS, immigration, housing, job security, your education. The party you pick will remain in power for a few years and they’ll be making changes on the things that affect your daily life.
How does it work?
Before every General Election Parliament is dissolved, meaning the spot for each constituency is up for grabs between MPs from various political parties. Each of the 650 constituency votes for their chosen MP and the winner is given a seat in the House of Commons. We won’t pick the Prime Minister in the General Election, instead, the party with the most MPs elected will have their leader become the Prime Minister.
The party with the most seats will form a government. Having more seats means that a party will have more leverage when the House is debating issues. That's why the Conservatives have called this election - they want the house
1. Register to vote
It takes five minutes online and it sets you up so you won’t have to register for future elections. Make sure to do it now so you’re prepared when the time comes.
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Deadline to register: 26 November 2019
You won't be able to register for December's election anymore but you can register yourself for future elections.
2. Research
Do your research! Research what each party stands for and look into who the possible MPs in your constituency are. Don’t know what your options are? You can look here: https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/
3. Vote!
When an election is confirmed you’ll receive a polling card to the address you’ve declared as your current residence. It’ll tell you when and where to vote. Most people vote at the polling station in-person, but if you want to vote by post you must apply for it beforehand. If it’s your first-time voting, don’t stress. Your ballot paper will have clear instructions on how to go about doing it.
FAQ’s
I’m a home student, what address do I use?
You can be registered to vote at both your home and term-time addresses, as long as those addresses are not in the same constituency. Being on the voting register isn’t automatic – you must register yourself. If you want a postal vote, you have to apply for it beforehand.
You can only vote once. Voting twice in an election is a criminal offence, so is voting for someone else.
Part of the commonwealth?
Have a check, but if you’re from a qualifying Commonwealth country then you can vote.
What if it snows?
Even if it’s snow as far as the eye can see, elections will still be running. It’s now been written into law so it has to happen.