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UK Parliament

Countdown to the general election

8 June 2017

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On Thursday 8 June 2017, people in every part of the UK had the opportunity to choose their MP, the person who will represent their local area in the House of Commons in the next Parliament.

Have your say by casting your vote

There is normally a choice of several candidates seeking election in each constituency. People can vote for only one of the candidates and the candidate that receives the most votes becomes their Member of Parliament.

Which candidate you vote for is up to you.

Nationally the results also determine who forms the new government.

You must be on the electoral register

If you want to vote on 8 June, you must be on the electoral register. The deadline for registering in time to be able to vote in the general election was Monday 22 May. If you are not on the register, you will not be able to vote.

Emergency Proxy

You can only apply for an emergency proxy for one of two reasons:

  • Because you have been called away unexpectedly for work.
  • A medical emergency. This emergency must relate to you – you can’t get an emergency proxy due to a medical emergency involving a friend or relative.

You must apply for an emergency proxy vote by 5pm on Thursday 8 June.

After the general election

Counting of votes will begin when the polls close at 10pm on 8 June. Election results are widely reported in the local and national media, with many providing rolling coverage of the results as they are announced.

The new Parliament is expected to meet on Tuesday 13 June 2017 when the business in the House of Commons will be the election of the Commons Speaker and the swearing-in of Members.

The State Opening of Parliament will follow on Wednesday 21 June 2017.

Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.

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