Register to Vote for General Election

Residents are urged to ensure that they are on the Electoral Register in order to cast their vote on Election Day.

The General Election is taking place on Thursday 4 July, with the South Shields and Jarrow and Gateshead East parliamentary constituencies being contested.

But if people are not registered to vote they will be unable to have their say in the election, unless they take action now.

South Tyneside Council is urging those who are not yet on the Electoral Register to apply to register by midnight on Tuesday 18 Juneto protect their right to vote on Thursday 4 July.

Jonathan Tew, Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council and Acting Returning Officer for Parliamentary Elections said: "It is vital that all residents have registered to vote so that they can take part in the general election and decide who represents them in Parliament.

"Unfortunately, those not registered in time will be unable to have their say on Election Day. Online registration is easy and convenient. It only takes a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and people can access it through their computer, smartphone or tablet."

South Tyneside Council is particularly keen to remind young people who will be 18 by Election Day that they also need to register by Tuesday 18 June in order to cast their vote on 4 July.

16 and 17 year olds can register now so that they will be able to vote as soon as they turn 18. Students who are living away from home at university can register at both their term time address and home address.

Jonathan Tew added: "By registering to vote young people are securing their right to have their say on the issues that affect their future. I would urge young people to take this opportunity to ensure their voice is heard."

The last day to apply to register to vote for the parliamentary election is Tuesday 18 June.

Residents intending to vote in person at a polling station will need to show ID - a requirement introduced as part of the UK Government's Elections Act, passed in 2022. Those that do not have eligible ID can apply for free voter ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper form.

Those who would prefer to vote by post, rather than going along to a polling station, can apply for a postal vote. The closing date for postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June.

In summary:

• Last date to Register to Vote - Tuesday 18 June
• Last date to apply for a Postal Vote - 5pm on Wednesday 19 June
• Last date for Proxy Vote applications - 5pm on Wednesday 26 June

Residents in the Primrose ward of South Tyneside Council must be registered to vote by next Tuesday (11 June) to be able to vote in the Primrose by-election, which is taking place on Thursday 27 June. The closing date to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 12 June and to apply to vote by proxy is 5pm, Wednesday 19 June, for the by-election.

People need to be registered to vote before they can apply for free voter ID or to vote by post, or by proxy.

Anyone who wants to check whether they are registered to vote, or who needs help with any election application form, can contact the Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000.

More information about electoral registration in South Tyneside is available on the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/elections