Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to The UK Government, the Law and Your Role

The electoral register and how to vote

Study note

Before you can vote in any UK election, your name must be on the electoral register. The register is the official list of people entitled to vote, and you need to register to be added to it. Being on the register, not on a jury list or in the civil service, is what gives you the right to vote.

Once you are registered, there are different ways to cast your vote. On election day you can go to your local polling station and mark your ballot paper in private. If it is difficult for you to get there, you can apply in advance to vote by post instead. Whichever way you vote, it is done by secret ballot, so your choice stays private. For the test, the key steps are: register first, then vote at a polling station or by post, always by secret ballot.

Memory tip: Register to vote first; then vote at a polling station or by post, by secret ballot.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

What must you be on in order to vote in a UK election?

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for The electoral register and how to vote(2 questions with explanations)

The electoral register and how to vote: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What must you be on in order to vote in a UK election?

    • The Cabinet
    • A jury list
    • The civil service
    • The electoral register

    Correct answer: The electoral register

    You must be on the electoral register to vote in UK elections.

  2. 2. Voting in UK elections is done by secret ballot.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. UK elections use a secret ballot.

Back to The UK Government, the Law and Your Role, or try a mock test or timed exam.