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Elections and voting

Study note

A general election is the election in which the public chooses the MPs who sit in the House of Commons. By law, a general election must be held at least every five years, so the public always gets a regular chance to change the government. The party that wins the most MPs usually forms the next government.

To vote in a general election you must be on the electoral register and be aged 18 or over, the minimum voting age in the UK. Voting is carried out by secret ballot, which means you mark your choice in private and no one can be told how you voted. This protects people so they can vote freely without pressure. So the headline facts to remember are: at least one election every five years, a voting age of 18, and a secret ballot.

Memory tip: General election at least every 5 years; voting age 18; secret ballot.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 6

At least how often must a UK general election be held?

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Show all questions and answers for Elections and voting(6 questions with explanations)

Elections and voting: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. At least how often must a UK general election be held?

    • Every five years
    • Every year
    • Every ten years
    • Every two years

    Correct answer: Every five years

    A general election must be held at least every five years.

  2. 2. What is the minimum age to vote in a UK general election?

    • 16
    • 21
    • 25
    • 18

    Correct answer: 18

    You must be 18 or over to vote in a UK general election.

  3. 3. At least every how many years must a UK general election be held?

    • three
    • five
    • two
    • ten

    Correct answer: five

    A general election must be held at least every five years.

  4. 4. You must be aged 18 or over to vote in a UK general election.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The minimum voting age in a UK general election is 18.

  5. 5. Which of these statements is correct?

    • A general election must be held at least every ten years
    • A general election must be held at least every five years

    Correct answer: A general election must be held at least every five years

    A general election must be held at least every five years.

  6. 6. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Voting in a UK general election is done by secret ballot
    • Voting in a UK general election is done in public by a show of hands

    Correct answer: Voting in a UK general election is done by secret ballot

    UK elections use a secret ballot, so your vote is private.

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