Voting in the UK: Process and Eligibility

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Questions and Answers

Who can vote in the UK?

Only men over 21

Only women over 21

Anyone over 16

Men and women over 18 (correct)

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can be voted for in the UK.

True

What is the purpose of voting?

To put people in office to make decisions on behalf of citizens.

You must ensure you are eligible to vote and that your name is on the ______.

Electoral Register Signup and view all the answers

Match the following voting positions with their roles:

Members of Parliament = Make laws and decisions at a national level Local Councillors = Manage local services and facilities Mayors = Lead local authorities and represent the community Police and Crime Commissioners = Oversee police services and operations Signup and view all the answers

How can you ensure your name is on the Electoral Register?

By contacting your local council Signup and view all the answers

You can only register to vote in person.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of Members of Parliament?

To make laws. Signup and view all the answers

Local councils often send ______ to collect names for the Electoral Register.

representatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an elected position in the UK?

Civil Servant Signup and view all the answers

What age can you register to vote in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

16 years old Signup and view all the answers

You can vote in a UK general election at the age of 16.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the voting system used in the UK where the candidate with the most votes wins?

First Past the Post Signup and view all the answers

In the UK, you must be on the electoral ________ to be eligible to vote.

register Signup and view all the answers

Match the following voting systems with their descriptions:

First Past the Post = Candidate with most votes wins Proportional Representation = Seats reflect percentage of votes Postal Vote = Vote sent through mail Proxy Vote = Someone votes on your behalf Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of election in the UK?

Presidential Election Signup and view all the answers

Proportional representation is used in UK general elections.

False Signup and view all the answers

What must you do if you are unable to vote in person?

Apply for a Proxy or Postal Vote Signup and view all the answers

The political party that wins the most seats can form the ________.

government Signup and view all the answers

What is the main critique of the First Past the Post system?

It is unfair and undemocratic. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Voting in the UK

Almost all UK citizens over 18 can vote.
Voting decides who makes decisions for the country.
You can vote for MPs, Local Councillors, Mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners, and MEPs.

Eligibility and Registration

You must be registered on the Electoral Register to vote.
The register contains a list of eligible voters.
Contact your local council to be added to the register.
You will receive a polling card before an election with voting details.

Voting Process

There are three ways to vote:
- In person at a polling station.
- By proxy vote, where someone else votes on your behalf.
- By postal vote, where you receive your ballot in advance.

Types of Elections and Referendums

General Election: Elects MPs to the House of Commons.
Local Government: Elects Local Councillors.
European Parliament: Elects MEPs (no longer relevant after Brexit).
Scottish Parliament: Elects MSPs.
Northern Ireland Assembly: Elects MLAs.
National Assembly for Wales: Elects AMs.
Local Mayors/London Mayor: Elects Mayors.
Police and Crime Commissioner: Elects Commissioners.
Referendums: Decide on specific issues, like Brexit in 2016.

Electoral Systems

First Past the Post: The candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
Proportional Representation (PR): The number of seats a party wins reflects the percentage of votes received.
- STV: Used in Northern Ireland.
- AMS: Used in Scotland and Wales.
- Party-list system: Used for European Parliament (no longer applicable).
- Supplementary Vote: Used for London Mayor.

UK Voting History

1997: Referendums in Scotland & Wales for devolved power.
1998: Referendum for London Mayor and devolved power.
1998: Establishment of Northern Ireland power sharing.
2011: Alternative Vote Referendum.
2014: Scottish Independence Referendum.
2016: Brexit Referendum.

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Description

This quiz explores the voting system in the UK, including eligibility and registration requirements. Learn about the different types of elections, the voting process, and the importance of being registered to vote. Test your knowledge about how voting impacts decision-making in the country.