The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, declared from the steps of Downing Street (on 22 May 2024) that the next general election will take place on 4 July 2024.
The Prime Minister confirmed that he had spoken with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of parliament. The King granted this request, thereby confirming that the general election will take place on the 4 July 2024. This will be the first election to take place in July since 1945.
Following the announcement by the Prime Minister the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said:
“The electoral community will now be putting all its planning into action, working to support voters and delivering well-run polls. I’m very grateful to all involved for their crucial work supporting our democracy.
Voters need to be registered to take part in the election. Applying only takes five minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and must be done by 18 June. Voters can choose whether to vote at a polling station, by post or by proxy.
For the first time at a UK general election, those voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID. Voters should check now if they have an accepted form of ID, and if not to apply for free ID, called the Voter Authority Certificate."
Key dates:
| Action | Timeline |
| Deadline for registering to vote | 23.59 Tuesday 18 June |
| Deadline for applying for a postal vote | 17.00 Wednesday 19 June |
| Deadline for applying for a proxy vote | 17.00 Wednesday 26 June |
| Deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate | 17.00 Wednesday 26 June |
| Polling day | 07.00 – 22.00 Thursday 4 July |