The Speaker
Friday, 29 March 2024 – 11:19
European Parliament

Everything You Need To Know Ahead of the European Elections

The UK heads to the polls this Thursday to vote in the European Elections.

What’s It All About?

The European Elections are your chance to elect an MEP (Member of European Parliament) to represent your views and opinions for when decisions are made in the European Union. The UK is due to leave the European Union, though the Brexit process is still taking place. Therefore, until the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal, we are subject to rules and laws made by the European Union.

 

When And How Do I Vote?

  • If you’re registered to vote, you can head to your local polling station on Thursday 23 May between 7am and 10pm.
  • Details of the location of your polling station will have been delivered to your address on a polling card, and they may also be available online – enter your postcode in the box below to check. (Powered by DemocracyClub)
  • It is recommended that you take your polling card when you vote, but it is not necessary.
  • Be sure to decide on who to vote for before heading to the polling station.

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Who Should I Vote For?

We can’t tell you who to vote for, but here are some tips on how to decide;

  • Vote for someone who you believe represents your opinions on important issues.
  • Make sure you research the candidates and parties before election day – in most areas, election communications will have been posted to your address. There is also lots of information available online and on the websites for each political party.
  • Research the issues being discussed by the parties in their manifestos – Brexit is a key area in the manifestos for political parties here in the UK, but other issues also exist and can impact our daily lives.

 

How does the European Union and EU Parliament work?

It has been almost three years since the UK decided to leave the EU and closer to five since David Cameron promised a referendum on our status within it. But ask the average person on the street how the EU Commission, European Parliament, or European Court of Justice works, they would struggle to give an answer.

We’ve put together a comprehensive and impartial guide on the European Union as part of our #InspireNextGen series, and this can be found below – check this out to find out what you’re voting for.

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Why Should I Vote?

Voting is your chance to have your say on important political issues. Politics has never been more important – decisions made today are set to impact our daily lives not only tomorrow but also for generations to come.

Here’s why you should vote;

  • While the EU elections are by no means a second referendum on the Brexit issue, they are anticipated to send a message to the government and Parliament about the feelings of voters on the current Brexit deadlock.
  • Through time, people have fought and died for the right to vote, and still do in some countries – for this reason, we should respect our right to vote and use it in honour of those that have fought for it.
  • Only voting will truly allow you to have your say and make a direct change.
  • You don’t have to like politicians or politics in order to vote – you are simply expressing your opinion.
  • By not voting, yourself and your opinions do not count in polls, and are unlikely to be recognised by politicians – if you don’t vote, things that you do not like will probably not change.
  • It’s your money that is being spent – have your say on how it is spent!

We believe it is especially important for young people to vote and have their say on their futures. We’re collaborating with the National Citizen Service (NCS), the UK’s fastest-growing youth movement in over a century, to encourage more young people to be politically engaged, with politics having never been more important. While on NCS, young people build confidence, meet new people, learn life skills and give back to their local community through their own social action projects. Voting in an election and getting involved in politics also empowers young people to make their voices heard and influence changes in their local and wider communities.

Follow our social media @speakerpolitics and NCS @ncs for more reasons why you should vote!

To hear more about NCS and sign up, visit ncsyes.co.uk

 

I Can’t Vote This Time – How Can I Get Involved?

Even if you can’t vote, you can still get involved in politics. Tap the link below for ways in which you can get involved in politics.

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Missed the deadline to register to vote for the EU elections? Tap the link below to register ready for the next election.

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