LifeInUKPractice

Chapter 5 focused study guide

UK Elections, Voting and Electoral Register Guide

Study voter eligibility, electoral registration, constituencies, voting systems, general elections, postal votes and proxy votes.

By LifeInUKPractice Editorial Team Reviewed by NEOX Content Review Last reviewed 27 July 2026

Section 5.6.1

Who can vote?

Eligibility to vote depends on the election, age, nationality, residence and registration. A person must be on the electoral register before voting.

UK parliamentary elections use single-member constituencies and first-past-the-post voting: the candidate with the most votes wins. Other UK elections may use different voting systems.

Voting is private. Eligible voters can normally vote in person and may be able to arrange a postal or proxy vote. Identification requirements and registration deadlines should be checked with the Electoral Commission or GOV.UK.

Targeted practice

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 5 practice set.

  1. Sample question 1

    What does the term ‘coalition’ refer to?

    • If no political party wins a majority, a new election is held to vote for one of the top two parties only
    • The candidate who gets the most votes is elected
    • If no political party wins a majority, two parties may join and govern together
    • If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: If no political party wins a majority, two parties may join and govern together

    The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies. If no party wins a majority, two parties may join together to form a coalition.

    Review Who can vote?

  2. Sample question 2

    From 2026, which broad voting system is used to elect Members of the Senedd?

    • Proportional representation
    • Personal achievements
    • Instant run-off
    • First past the post system (the candidate who gets the most votes)
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: Proportional representation

    Senedd Members are elected through a proportional system. Voters choose a party or independent candidate, and seats are allocated using the D’Hondt formula.

    Review Who can vote?

  3. Sample question 3

    When was the voting age reduced to 18 for men and women?

    • 1965
    • 1969
    • 1919
    • 1929
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: 1969

    In 1969, the voting age was reduced to 18 for men and women.

    Review Who can vote?

  4. Sample question 4

    Which of the following statements is true?

    • A jury is made up of members of the public who have applied to be part of it
    • A jury is made up of members of the public chosen at random from the local electoral register
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A jury is made up of members of the public chosen at random from the local electoral register

    A jury is made up of members of the public chosen at random from the local electoral register.

    Review Who can vote?

  5. Sample question 5

    How often is the electoral register updated?

    • Every year
    • Every six months
    • Every two years
    • Every three years
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: Every year

    The electoral register is updated every year in September or October.

    Review Who can vote?

More Chapter 5 questions

Further verification

Official and primary sources

Use the official handbook for the knowledge syllabus. For current administrative information or broader context, consult the relevant primary source.

Reviewed 27 July 2026. See the editorial policy and factual update log.