All the key dates you need to know ahead of the general election

The general election is fast approaching and the deadlines for registering to vote are fast approaching. The general election will take place on Thursday 4 July and will see 61 candidates from 10 parties, some as independents, contesting seats in Bristol and across the region.

Anyone who wants to be registered to vote you will need to do so by 11:59pm on Tuesday 18 June. You must be 16 or over, but you must be 18 to vote in the upcoming election.

For those planning to vote on the day at their local polling station, they will need to bring a valid photo ID for the first time at a general election. The new rules, introduced last year, allowed voters to bring ID to the polls earlier this year in local elections.

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There are two alternatives to in-person voting, but those deadlines are also fast approaching. You can apply to vote by post or to vote by proxy.

The term until request voting by mail is Wednesday, June 19, at 5 p.m. To apply, you’ll need your National Insurance number (or ID), the address where you’re registered to vote and a photograph of your handwritten signature.

Alternatively, the term up to request a proxy vote it’s Wednesday, June 26, 5 p.m. This would allow someone else to vote on your behalf at a polling station, but to apply you need your National Insurance number (or ID), proxy address, proxy contact details and a photograph of your signature . by hand.

For voters without a valid photo ID, applications for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) also close at 5pm on Wednesday 26 June. For apply for a VACyou will need a recent photograph of yourself and your National Insurance number (or if you don’t have a number, proof of identity).

After the deadlines, you may be able to request an emergency proxy vote, which includes those with a photo ID that has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed (and waiting for a replacement) and those without unable to vote that day due to a medical emergency, disability, or employment issue. The term until request an emergency proxy vote it is 17.00 on voting day.

Following the general election on 4 July, the UK parliament will return to elect a President on Tuesday 9 July. On Wednesday, July 17, the parliamentary year will officially begin with the King’s Speech.

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