General Election 2024: Where is my polling station, list of valid ID, who can I vote for in Newcastle and more

Ever since Rishi Sunak took to Downing Street on Wednesday, May 22, political parties across the UK have been counting down to this Thursday for the 2024 General Election.

The first General Election since 2019 will see the public head to polling stations across Newcastle and the wider UK.

What are the parliamentary seats in Newcastle?

Voters in Newcastle will be split into three constituencies. These are Newcastle Upon Tyne Central and West, Newcastle Upon Tyne North and Newcastle Upon Tyne East and Wallsend.

How long are polling stations open on election day?

All polling stations are open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, July 4.

Those in the queue at 10pm will still be able to vote; however, anyone arriving after 10pm will miss their chance to take part.

How can I find my polling station?

Registered voters will have been sent a poll card to their address which gives details of the location of their polling station - voters can only vote at the polling station on their poll card.

You do not need to bring your polling card to the polling station, although voters must bring ID.

What are valid forms of ID in the General Election?

The Government website has a full list of ID which will be accepted in polling stations. These are:

• A UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
• A driving licence issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
• A UK passport
• A passport issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
• A PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• A Blue Badge
• A biometric residence permit (BRP)
• A Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
• A national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
• A Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• A Voter Authority Certificate
• An Anonymous Elector’s Document

Some travel passes with photographs included can also be used. These are:

• An older person’s bus pass
• A disabled person’s bus pass
• An Oyster 60+ card
• A Freedom Pass
• A Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
• A 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• A Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• A Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass

Expired ID is valid as long as the picture still looks like the voter.

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Voting by post

Residents who have opted to vote by post need to make sure their ballot papers are returned by 10pm on Thursday, July 4.

If you have not had time to post the vote before polling day, you can hand it in at any polling station in Newcastle on Thursday.

Anyone handing in postal votes at a polling station will need to complete a postal vote return form and are limited by law to handing in their own, plus the votes of up to five other people, per election.

Political campaigners are not allowed to handle postal votes for other electors who are not close relatives, or someone for who they provide regular care.

Proxy voting

If you have appointed a proxy, then you need to make sure the proxy is able to vote at the polling station on your behalf.

Proxy voters must take their own photo ID with them to the polling station or else they will not be able to vote.

Filling in the ballot paper

Polling station staff will be on hand to provide advice on the voting process.

Voters with a disability can ask the Presiding Officer for help and can mark the ballot paper if needed; or ask someone else over the age of 18 to help (e.g. a relative, friend or support worker).