Election 2024: Britain decides

After a six-week election campaign, it's now up to the public to decide, as polls are now open across the country. Millions of people will be able to choose  new MPs at 40,000 polling stations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

And remember, for the first time in a UK general election, if you're casting your ballot in person you will need to bring photo ID.

Anyone without the correct ID will be turned away.

What are the voter ID rules?

Since May 2023, voters have had to show a valid form of photo ID at polling stations to vote in person at most elections.

The rules apply to:

• UK general elections

• all local elections in England, including those for mayors and the London Assembly

• all local referendums and parliamentary by-elections in England

• police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales

There are 22 acceptable forms of ID to vote in person in England, Scotland and Wales, including:

• passports

• driving licences

• older or Disabled Person's bus passes

• Oyster 60+ cards

You can use out-of-date photo ID as long as you look the same.

If you wear a face covering, such as a medical mask or a veil worn on religious grounds, you will be asked to remove it briefly so polling station staff can check that your ID looks like you.

Election Night Live on Maritime Radio, Tonight at 10pm

As voters across the UK go to the polls, Maritime Radio will be following every twist and turn of the General Election 2024.  

We’re up all night bringing you all the action and following our local results as well as results as they come in from constituencies around the UK.

Join us from 10pm as the exit polls are announced and throughout the night, with live analysis and updates from our local counts.

Thursday 4th July, 10pm

Contact the programme:

Send us a message for free on the Maritime Radio App

Text/WhatsApp: 07716 432 711

Email the studio: hello@maritimeradio.co.uk