Elections & how to vote in the UK

Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team

To vote in a UK general election you must be 18 or over and on the electoral register. The UK uses a system called first past the post, where the candidate with the most votes in each area wins. This guide explains who can vote, how UK elections work, and how you cast your vote. It is part of our government and law study notes.

Key facts

The right to vote

The right to vote was widened over time. Women over 30 were first given the vote in 1918, and in 1928 women could vote at 21, the same as men. The voting age was later lowered to 18, which is the age you can vote in a UK general election today.

Elections and the electoral system

A general election is held at least every five years to elect MPs to the House of Commons. The UK is divided into constituencies, and each elects one MP using first past the post: the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins. If an MP dies or resigns, a by-election is held in that one constituency.

There are other elections too. You can also vote for members of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for local councillors who run local services. Some areas elect a mayor. These other elections can use different voting systems, but general elections use first past the post.

Everyone aged 18 or over can also visit the public galleries in the Houses of Parliament, and can contact their MP or a member of the devolved bodies. Taking part in this way, including voting, is one of the responsibilities the test highlights.

Who can vote and the electoral register

To vote you must be on the electoral register and aged 18 or over. British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens who live in the UK can register to vote in general elections. You can register online on GOV.UK.

How to vote

On election day you go to a polling station and vote in secret. You can also vote by post or by proxy (someone voting on your behalf). In recent years you have needed to bring photo ID to vote in person at some elections, so check the current rules on GOV.UK before you go.

What to remember for the test

• You can vote from age 18.
• Women won equal voting rights in 1928 (the vote first came in 1918 for women over 30).
• The UK uses first past the post, with one MP per constituency.
• A by-election fills a single seat when an MP leaves.
• You must be on the electoral register to vote.

Practise this topic

Test yourself on elections and voting in the real format, then reread anything you miss. Next comes the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.