Elections and voting
UK Parliament elections (general elections) are held at least every five years. MPs are elected by the “first past the post” system: the candidate who gets the most votes in a constituency is elected. The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies.
If an MP dies or resigns, a by-election is held in that constituency.
The present voting age of 18 was set in 1969. Adult citizens of the UK, and citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who are resident in the UK, can vote in all public elections (subject to the rules of each election).
To vote you must have your name on the electoral register. You can register online or through your local council. The register is updated every year, and anyone can look at it.
Elections are held in polling stations (sometimes called polling places), usually open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Voting is in secret: no one can watch you vote or make you tell them how you voted. If it is difficult to get to a polling station, you can apply for a postal vote.
16 and 17-year-olds can vote in Scottish Parliament, Senedd and local elections in Scotland and Wales. A Representation of the People Bill proposing votes at 16 for UK general elections was going through Parliament in 2026 but was not yet law.
Key facts
- General elections are held at least every five years.
- First past the post: the candidate with the most votes wins the constituency.
- By-election: held when an MP dies or resigns.
- Voting age 18 since 1969.
- You must be on the electoral register to vote.
- Polling stations are usually open 7 am to 10 pm. The vote is secret.
Important dates
| 1918 | Women over 30 can vote |
| 1928 | Women can vote at 21, like men |
| 1969 | Voting age lowered to 18 |
Memory tips
- “7 till 10” — polling station hours.
- By-election = “bye” to the old MP.
Practice questions
1. How often must a general election be held?
- Every year
- At least every five years
- Every seven years
- Every ten years
Show answer
General elections must be held at least every five years.
2. What is the minimum age to vote in UK general elections?
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 21
Show answer
The voting age for UK Parliament elections is 18. It was lowered from 21 in 1969.
3. What is the name of the voting system used to elect MPs?
- Proportional representation
- First past the post
- Single transferable vote
- Alternative vote
Show answer
MPs are elected by “first past the post”: the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
4. What happens if an MP dies or resigns?
- The seat stays empty
- A by-election is held
- The party chooses a replacement
- The House of Lords appoints someone
Show answer
A by-election is held in that constituency to elect a new MP.
5. In which year was the voting age lowered to 18?
- 1928
- 1945
- 1969
- 1997
Show answer
The present voting age of 18 was set in 1969.
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