Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the next General Election will be held on Thursday, July 4th. This timing is particularly notable for young people, especially university students, as it coincides with the start of the summer holidays. Many students will be transitioning between homes, whether moving to a new house or flat, returning to their family home, or embarking on post-graduation plans.

Given the requirement to vote in person at a designated polling station or to arrange a postal or proxy vote, the timing of this election poses unique challenges for young people. 

Concerns have been raised online about the potential difficulty for students to cast their votes, suggesting this timing might be a strategic move to reduce young voter turnout, as younger demographics tend to lean towards more liberal political views.

However, there are ways to ensure your voice is heard. Students can register to vote at both their term time and home addresses if they consider both permanent residences. This flexibility means you can vote from either location, depending on where you will be on election day.

It’s important to remember that in General Elections, referendums, and devolved parliamentary elections, you can only cast one vote. Voting in both registered locations is illegal. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan ahead to ensure you are registered at the address where you will be on July 4th.

If you want to learn more about how to vote, visit: Politics for beginners: A blonde girls guide to the general election – Werk (werkmagazine.co.uk)

July 4th will also coincide with the school holidays for most of Scotland, meaning many families could be abroad during the ballot. 

Additionally, this timing aligns with the excitement of major sporting events, adding another layer of complexity and potential influence on voter turnout.

The Euros, set to begin on June 14th, will finish exactly one month later, potentially impacting voter engagement. England is among the favourites to win Euro 2024 in Germany following their penalty shoot-out defeat in the final of the previous tournament at Wembley. Depending on how far England advances, particularly if they reach the quarter-finals, it could disrupt voter turnout. 

The British tennis tournament, Wimbledon, also clashes as it starts on July 1st. The opening of the British Grand Prix on July 5th may also cause complications for Formula 1 fans. 

Your vote is your voice. Even with the challenges posed by the timing of this election, your participation is crucial. Make sure your voice is heard.