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Students encouraged to ensure they can vote

If a general election is called this autumn, students who are registered to vote elsewhere will need to apply for a postal vote or register at their new address.

Three voters holding tick signs, demonstrating the importance of voting

With growing speculation that a general election will be called this autumn, Birkbeck is encouraging new and returning students to make sure that they will be able to exercise their democratic rights by voting.

Register for a postal vote

For students who are registered to vote elsewhere in the UK and who will not be able to return to vote in person, a postal vote will ensure that you don’t lose their vote. Forms need to be completed and returned to your electoral registration office by 5pm, 11 working days before the poll. If you are not already registered to vote, your application to register must have reached your electoral registration office by midnight, 12 working days before the poll.

Register to vote at your term-time address

Alternatively, if you have a different term-time address to your home address, you can register to vote at your new term-time address. Please note, you can only vote in one electoral ward at a general election.

Who is eligible to vote?

To vote in a General Election you must:

  • be registered to vote
  • be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
  • be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen (this includes citizens of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and of British Overseas Territories)
  • be resident at an address in the UK
  • not be legally excluded from voting

EU citizens are not eligible to vote in a general election.

Fraser Keir, Birkbeck’s Registrar, said: “Voting is a key facet of any democracy and I urge all eligible Birkbeck students to make sure that they know where they are registered to vote and, if necessary, have applied for a postal vote in good time.”

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