The General Election: What Will it Decide

Thursday 27-06-2024 - 13:09

Just in case you’ve not heard, the UK is having a general election on July 4. But first, you’ve got to figure out who to actually vote for and what impact this will then have on the country. No pressure, right? With all the political jargon out there, this can be easier said than done.

Not to worry! We’re here to help.

What is a General Election?

On Thursday 4 July 2024, the UK will be holding a general election. A general election means that everyone in the UK votes for their local MP, who will represent them in the House of Commons.

On voting day, each of the 650 constituencies in the UK will vote for an MP to represent their area in the House of Commons in London. Most MPs belong to groups called political parties. So, the party with the majority of seats typically forms the government, and their leader becomes Prime Minister.

Why is the General Election Important?

The general election is crucial because it provides a direct way for citizens to influence the governance of their country. Through voting, people can express their opinions on key issues.

By voting in this election, you’re ensuring that your views and interests are represented in the House of Commons. Your vote holds officials accountable and influences the direction of the country.

What are the Current Key Issues?

Listed below are the main issues that parties are focusing on during the 2024 general election.

The economy

Cost of living

NHS & care

Immigration

Housing

Foreign & defence

Crime & Justice

Education

Transport

The environment

Key Issues that Directly Impact Students

If you’re not sure where to start when looking at parties’ policies, here are some key issues which will directly impact students:

University and Tuition Fees

Have a look at the policies that parties plan to implement to address tuition fees and help with finances. On Instagram, we recently posted interviews with candidates for Manchester Rusholme after asking them “ What do you think the approach should be when it comes to the current system for the maintenance loan?”

NHS and Healthcare

What are parties planning to help fund health services and support the NHS.

Environmental and Energy policies

Have a look at how parties are planning to deal with climate change and environmental issues. What commitments are they making?

Housing

What will parties implement to help with the student housing shortage and improve conditions for renters?

Jobs, Benefits and Taxation

Have a look at how parties are planning to create more job prospects for graduates and ensure fair wages.

Equality and Human Rights

What policies are parties wanting to implement regarding immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and racial and gender equality.

How Do You Decide Who to Vote For?

To know who and what party you want to vote for you should definitely do some research. A good place to start would be a party’s manifesto. This publication contains the set policies that the party stands for and would wish to implement if they are elected.

The BBC has a helpful page where you can compare different parties’ manifestos against each other and see how their policies differ towards key issues.

Where Do You Go to Vote?

If you are voting in person, on 4 July you will go to a polling station. This is usually in a public building, like a school or local hall.

Just before the election you will be sent a poll card. This will tell you which polling station you need to go to vote. You can only vote at the polling station on your card, but you don’t need to take your poll card with you.

You can still vote if you’ve lost your card. But if you’ve not received one you should contact your Electoral Registration Office.

Polling stations will be open from 7:00 - 22:00 on 4 July.

You must bring photo ID to be able to vote. Student ID cards don’t count as valid photo ID in UK elections.

If you have a disability, your local Electoral Registration Office can tell you about accessibility.

What to Do When You’re at the Polling Station

When you arrive, you’ll give your name and home address to the staff inside the polling station.

You’ll then show your photo ID to confirm your identity.

The staff will then give you a ballot paper with the list of people, parties or options you can vote for.

Then you just follow the instructions on the ballet paper to vote!

If You Aren’t Voting in Person

If you are voting by post or by proxy, the UK government’s website says what you will need to do to vote.

Voting by post

Voting by proxy

Remember, who you vote for is entirely up to you. Get out to those polling stations and make your voice heard!

Related Tags :

General Election, Voting,

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