European elections 2019: How to register to vote at the last minute to have your say on Brexit
There are only a few hours left to ensure your voice is heard - here's what you need to do
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Your support makes all the difference.The European elections 2019 take place on Thursday 23 May.
With the UK stuck in Brexit limbo and cross-party talks between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn mired in deadlock, this Tuesday represents a last chance for Britons and citizens of EU member states resident in this country to register to vote and have their say.
Time is running out, so here's everything you need to know on making a last minute registration.
What is the vote?
Now that the UK has missed its original departure date from the EU, we will take part in elections for the European Parliament as usual.
Of the chamber's 751 members of the European Parliament (MEPs), 73 represent the UK. You can find out who your MEPs are on the European Parliament website.
For more information on the elections themselves, visit the Electoral Commission's website.
How do I register?
If you are a British citizen and registered to vote last time around, you may not need to re-register.
Otherwise, you can register online here. You will need your National Insurance number and passport.
Note: If you have moved home since the last time you voted, you will need to re-register at your new property.
If you do not have a permanent address, you can register at an address where you spend a substantial part of your time or have some connection. This could be a previously permanent address, shelter or similar place.
If you're an EU citizen living in the UK, you must register to vote in the UK by 7 May and download, complete and send off a European Parliament voter registration form to your local Electoral Registration Office. You'll have to move quickly to make this one.
Alternatively, you can vote in your home country by contacting the local electoral authorities there.
Not sure if you’re registered?
Every local authority holds the electoral register for their area. You can contact your local registration office and they will be able to let you know if you are registered.
To find the contact details of your local office, enter your postcode here on the Electoral Commission’s website.
I’m registered - now how do I vote?
You can vote on 23 May in one of the following ways:
- In person at your local polling station – you can find the location on the Electoral Commission’s website closer to voting day
- By post, or by proxy
Details of the nearest polling station should be shown on the back of your polling card, which you’ll receive in the post.
In England, Scotland and Wales, you can register to vote by post if you’re unable to vote in person on the day.
For a postal vote, you will need to download a form and send it to your local registration office. You can do that here.
Your local council will then send you a ballot paper by post, which you will need to send back. This must done in advance of 23 May – all postal vote requests need to arrive at the office a few days before the election.
Can someone else vote for me?
If you can’t vote by either of these methods, you can apply to vote by proxy – allowing somebody you trust to submit your vote on your behalf.
This can be due to a disability, or if you’re abroad, or away on a course for work or university.
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