Here’s some answers to questions people might have about voting in the GE.

When is the deadline to register?

It’s tomorrow (20th April) so get your skates on! After midnight on Monday, it’s too late.

How can I register?

You’ve left it late, so have two realistic options:

1) Online. Go to www.gov.uk/registertovote. Takes about 5 mins.

2) Call you local council and ask to register to vote. Have you NI number handy. You can find their number by entering your postcode via this link.

I’m on holiday/working away on election day. What can I do?

Again two options:

1) Apply for a postal vote. The deadline is Tuesday 21st. You can get a form from here. It’s getting close to the deadline now, but your local electoral services dept will likely accept scanned copies if you haven’t left enough time to post it.

2) Missed the postal vote deadline? You can still apply for a proxy vote until 28th April. This is where you nominate someone else to vote on your behalf. You can find a proxy vote form here.

I’ve just been called away for work reasons after the proxy vote deadline has passed. What can I do?

You may be able to apply for an “emergency proxy” up until 5pm on polling day. Get a form from here.

I haven’t received my poll card. Does this mean I can’t vote?

Not necessarily. Sometimes whoever is delivering them (usually Royal Mail) cocks up. Check if you’re registered with your local council. You don’t need your poll card to vote. If you are registered, just give your name and address at the polling station to receive you ballot papers.

If you have recently moved and forgot to register, you might still be registered at your old address and could still vote. Again, check with your local council.

When I go to vote there’s usually someone standing outside asking for the number on my polling card. Do I have to give it to them?

If they are wearing a rosette, they’re probably from a political party and are trying to get an idea of who has voted. If you don’t want to tell them your number, tell them (politely) to piss off. You are under no obligation to do so.

I am interested in seeing the results being announced in my local area. Can I go and watch?

Election counts are not open to the public. It is set down in law who can attend, but there are a couple of ways you could get in:

1) Get a job counting the votes. Even at this late stage, your council may be looking for casual staff. Give them a ring to find out. The benefit of this option is that you get paid!

2) Volunteer to act as a counting agent for a political party. For this you definitely will not be paid however!

Any other questions, ask in the comments below and I’ll see if I can find the answer.