Life in the UK

Government & Democracy

General Elections & Voting

In a general election, the public elect a Member of Parliament (MP) for each constituency. A general election must be held at least every five years, and the party with the most MPs normally forms the government.

Key facts

  • You must be 18 or over to vote in a general election.
  • A general election is held at least every five years.
  • The UK is divided into constituencies, each electing one MP.
  • To vote you must be on the electoral register.

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