General election 2024: Important information
The general election will take place on Thursday 4 July. The deadlines to register to vote, apply to vote by post or by proxy, or for a Voter Authority Certificate have passed.
To help you prepare for polling day, we have put together this information to help answer any questions you might have.
Eligibility
You can vote in the general election if you registered to vote by the deadline (Tuesday 18 June, 23.59pm), are aged 18 or over on the day of the election, and you’re a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.
Check your eligibility to vote in the general election
Voter ID
If you vote at a polling station, you will need to show accepted photo ID. You must bring the original document – copies or electronic versions cannot be accepted. You can use expired ID as long as you still look like the photo. Your name on your ID should be the same name you used to register.
Accepted forms of photo ID include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Blue Badge
- 60+ Oyster card
- Freedom Pass
- Proof of Age (PASS card)
Check the full list of accepted ID
Voter ID FAQs
Voter ID resources in accessible formats
The election
Polling stations
Polls open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 4 July. As long as you are in the polling station queue by 10pm you will still be allowed to vote. You can find your polling station on your poll card or at wheredoivote.co.uk
Please note that these polling stations have changed:
- The polling station at RADA Studios has moved to University of London, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, WC1B 5DN
- The polling station at Highgate Library has moved to Brookfield Primary School, Chester Road, N19 5DH
- The polling station at Abbey Community Centre, 222c Belsize Road, NW6 4DJ has moved to Abbey Community Centre, 172 Belsize Road, NW6 4BJ
- If your polling station was at the N1C Centre before 2024, check wheredoivote.co.uk or your poll card to check if this is still the case. If you have the polling station PC on your poll card, then you will still vote at the N1C Centre, ground floor Plimsoll Building, Handyside Street, N1C 4BQ. If you have the polling station PD on your poll card, then your polling station has moved to Abacus Belsize Primary School, 105 Camley Street, N1C 4PF
Accessibility at our polling stations
All polling stations in Camden have disabled access. However, if you require extra help, there are staff at all our polling stations who are ready to assist you.
This could be help accessing the polling station or the use of specially designed tools to help you cast your vote. Alternatively, you can choose a companion to come along to the polling station with you to help you cast your vote. The presiding officer at the station will be able to help you with this on polling day.
Candidates standing in your area
Parliamentary boundaries have changed since the last general election, which means your constituency may have changed – check your poll card, which will show your constituency. You can also check your constituency and see local confirmed candidates at whocanivotefor.co.uk
Candidates in Hampstead and Highgate constituency (PDF)
Candidates in Holborn and St Pancras constituency (PDF)
Lost poll card
You do not need your poll card to vote on polling day. As long as you registered to vote by the deadline, your name will be on the electoral register. Simply arrive at your polling station, let the staff know your name and address and show your photo ID.
Dogs in polling stations
Dogs are allowed into many of our polling stations. However, it is at the building owner’s discretion. If there is clear signage in place that states dogs are not allowed, then we ask that you respect these wishes. Guide and assistance dogs are exempt from these rules and are allowed into all polling stations.
Photo policy
We ask that you refrain from taking photos inside polling stations. This is to make sure that you do not break strict laws around the secrecy of the ballot. However, you are welcome to take photos outside our polling stations if you’re excited to share them with friends and family over social media.
Postal vote
The deadline to register to vote by post for this election has passed. If you have registered to vote by post, your postal vote pack has been sent out.
Postal votes will only be counted if they are returned before 10pm on Thursday 4 July.
Find your nearest Royal Mail post box and collection times at royalmail.com/services-near-you
If you are concerned that your postal vote might not arrive in time, you can hand it in in person at any polling station in Camden or Camden Town Hall (Judd Street, WC1H 9JE) until 10pm on Thursday 4 July. You can also hand it in to Camden Town Hall from 9.30am to 5.30pm on other weekdays in the lead up to the election.
A form will need to be completed if you hand in a postal vote. Please do not put postal votes in any of the council offices letter boxes or they will be rejected.
If you have lost or damaged your postal vote, a replacement can be issued until 5pm on Thursday 4 July. Please email Electoral Services at electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 4444.
Proxy vote
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for the general election has passed. There may be certain circumstances where you must attend to an emergency on polling day and cannot vote in person. Under these circumstances, an emergency proxy vote may be available to you. Please contact electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or call 020 974 4444 before 5pm on polling day.
Voter ID FAQs
What if my appearance has changed on my photo ID?
If you look totally different on your ID, we recommend that you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline to prevent you from not being able to vote.
Can I use a poll card as ID?
No, it must be an accepted form of photo ID. Check the full list.
Can I get a Voter Authority Certificate on the day?
No, applications for Voter Authority Certificates will not be accepted after the deadline – 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.
My name is different on my photo ID to the electoral register – what should I do?
If you are in any doubt about whether your identification will be accepted, please contact electoral.services@camden.gov.uk
I don’t want to risk losing my ID – can I bring a photocopy?
Whatever form of ID you bring must be the original. Copies or electronic versions cannot be accepted.
What if I lose my Voter Authority Certificate?
We recommend you keep your Voter Authority Certificate as safe as you would any other form of official identification. However, if this happens, please contact electoral.services@camden.gov.uk
Can I use an expired photo ID?
Yes, as long as you still look like the photo and it is an accepted form of ID.
My passport or driving licence show the wrong address, will it be accepted?
Yes, as long as you still look like the photo. The photo ID is to check your identity, not your address.
I would like my identity checked in private, is this possible?
Yes, all polling stations will have procedures in place for voters who wish to have their identity checked in private.
Voter ID resources in accessible formats
Visit the Electoral Commission website to download:
Visit the Electoral Commission's YouTube channel to watch:
You can find more accessible voter ID resources on the Electoral Commission website
View Voter Authority Certificate: an easy read guide on the GOV.UK website