The UK is preparing for a third general election in four years following Parliament’s decision to vote in favour of a snap poll on December 12.

The unusual timing – it will be the first December poll since 1923 – has raised fears that voter turnout could be lower than usual, due to cold weather and limited daylight.

Turnout among younger voters could also be affected, as university and college students will be moving back home for the festive period.

Those unable to vote in person on polling day may wish to consider postal voting or proxy voting.

Here is everything you need to know about how to have your say.

Who needs to register to vote?

If you have never voted, have moved constituency or have turned 18 recently then you will need to register, if you have not done so already.

Assuming you are eligible, you can register via www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The deadline for a vote in person is 11:59pm on November 26.

If you are not sure whether or not you are registered, you should check with your local electoral registration office.

Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Show all 10 1 /10 Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election North East Fife Currently held by the SNP with a majority of 2 Getty Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Kensington Currently held by Labour with a majority of 20 Getty Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Perth and North Perthshire Currently held by the SNP with a majority of 21 Getty Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Dudley North Currently held by independent, formerly Labour, MP Ian Austin with a majority of 22 LivingInMediocrity Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Newcastle-under-Lyme Currently held by Labour with a majority of 30 Derek Harper Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Southampton Itchen Currently held by the Conservatives with a majority of 31 Rob Candish Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Richmond Park Currently held by the Conservatives with a majority of 45 Robin Webster Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Crewe and Nantwich Currently held by Labour with a majority of 48 Jaggery Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Glasgow South West Currently held by the SNP with a majority of 60 Alec MacKinnon Top 10 marginal seats to watch at the general election Glasgow East Currently held by the SNP with a majority of 75 Christine Johnstone

How can I register for a postal vote?

You can apply to vote by post by downloading and completing this form.

The deadline is 5pm on November 26 if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. The deadline for voters in Northern Ireland was 5pm on November 21.

How can I register for a proxy vote?

If you cannot vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, via a proxy vote. That person must be aged over 18 and be registered to vote.

If you are based in England, Scotland or Wales, you can apply for a proxy vote here before 5pm on December 4. The deadline has already passed for those in Northern Ireland.

If an emergency means you cannot get to the polling station in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy up to 5pm on the day of the election.

What if I live overseas?

If you are a UK citizen living abroad, you can register as an overseas voter for up to 15 years after you left the country.

In order to be eligible, you must have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years. You can also apply if you were too young to register when you left.