Who can vote and stand for office

Study note

To vote in a UK general election you generally need to be 18 or over, on the electoral register, and a citizen of the UK, the Irish Republic or a Commonwealth country resident in the UK. Most people aged 18 or over can also stand for election, though some, such as members of the armed forces and civil servants, cannot.

Memory tip: Vote at 18 if registered; UK, Irish and resident Commonwealth citizens can vote.