Yahoo News What happens when a general election is called?
Rumours are swirling that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could announce the date of the next general election as soon as this afternoon.
But what will happen when he eventually does confirm a general election?
A general election can be called by the prime minister at any time until December 17, 2024.
Once he has requested permission from the monarch to hold a general election, a date will be set for the dissolution of Parliament. The general election will then be held 25 days after Parliament is dissolved.
Weekends and bank holidays do not count as working days for the purpose of those 25 days.
There are normally several days between an election being called and Parliament being dissolved to allow for any outstanding parliamentary business to be finished.
When Parliament is dissolved, every seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant.
All business in the House comes to an end. MPs stop representing their constituencies.
There will be no MPs until after the general election.
The Government does not resign when Parliament is dissolved.
Government ministers remain in charge of their departments, as the role of minister is independent of the role of MP.
Once the election is called, Government activity is restricted during campaigning to ensure that public money is not used to support the party currently in power.
All parties will then launch their manifestos, though there is no set date for manifestos to be launched.
These will include the key promises each party is making to the public to encourage them to vote for them.
Typically, manifestos are released around 20 days before the election, and are often released within days of each other.
On polling day, voting happens between 7am and 10pm, with results being announced overnight and into the early hours of the next morning once counting has been concluded.
How do I register to vote in the General Election?
If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote or not, you can check by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office.
You can go to this Government website and enter your postcode to find your nearest one.
Where do I go to vote for the General Election?
If you are registered, you should receive a polling card through the post informing you of the location of your nearest ballot box.
You can only vote at the polling station location on your card.
However, if you are unsure then you can go to the website here to find your nearest polling station.
You do not need to bring your polling card with you in order to vote as it is not recognised as proof of registration.
Do I need ID to vote in the General Election?
Voters across the UK will be required to show ID to vote in General Elections.
You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.
International travel
Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
Driving and Parking
Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
A Blue Badge
Local travel
Older Person’s Bus Pass
Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
Oyster 60+ Card
Freedom Pass
Scottish National Entitlement Card
60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Proof of age
Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
Other government issued documents
Biometric immigration document
Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
National identity card issued by an EEA state
Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
Voter Authority Certificate
Anonymous Elector's Document
You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.
You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you.
The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
