Register to Vote

Shape the future beyond Herts!

YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE

 

Why should I register to vote?

When politicians make decisions, they look at who is on the electoral register and who votes. As students, being registered to vote gives you a stake in society, providing you with the power to influence the decisions being made. The decisions being made now will affect you and future generations to come. You deserve the opportunity to have your opinion on these decisions heard. Your opinion matters, but you can’t vote unless you are registered!

For international students from commonwealth countries, by registering to vote, you not only contribute to shaping policies that affect your student experience and life in the UK but also open doors for various practical benefits. Being on the electoral roll positively impacts your ability to rent accommodation, acquire a mobile contract, or sign up for a credit card, streamlining your daily life in the UK.

 

How can I register to vote?

• You can register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You may need the following, if you have them:
  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your passport if you’re a British citizen living abroad, and want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales
• There’s a different process to register anonymously, for example if you’re concerned about your safety.
• You can also register by post. Please note there’s a different form for registering by post in Northern Ireland.
• If you need help registering, contact your Electoral Registration Office.
• There's an easy read guide about registering to vote for people with a learning disability.
• You must be 16 or over in England, Northern Ireland and Wales to register; or 14 or over in Scotland to be able to register to vote, however you must be over 18 (16 in Scotland) to actually cast your vote.

 

Who can vote?

• You can register to vote if you are:
  • 18 or over in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (but you cannot vote until you are 18); or 16 or over in Scotland
  • A UK, Republic of Ireland or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are those who have leave to enter or remain in the UK, or do not require such leave
  • A citizen of a European Union country living in the UK
  • A citizen of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory living in the UK
• You can view a full list of Commonwealth and European Union countries here. If you are a citizen of one of those countries, and a resident in the UK, you are eligible to register to vote in UK elections

This information has been sourced Information from www.yourvotematters.co.uk/faq

 

Where should I register to vote?

Students are able to register to vote at both their home and term-time addresses. If your home and uni address are in two different local authority areas, you can vote in local elections at both. However, in general elections, you'll only be able to vote in one.

If you're not sure if you're already registered to vote, you can check by getting in touch with your local authority. Enter your postcode here to find your local electoral registration office, then contact them directly.

 

How do I find my National Insurance number?

You have a National Insurance number to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. It’s made up of letters and numbers and never changes. You can find your number on on:

• A payslip
• Your P60 form
• On any letters about your tax, pension or benefits
• In the National Insurance section of your personal tax account

If you don't have access to any of these, it is likely a parent or guardian will be looking after it for you. You can apply for a National Insurance number if you do not have one or find your National Insurance number if you’ve lost it.