All key facts
LawTestable

To vote you must be 18+, and a UK citizen, Irish citizen in UK, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen

Related questions (5)

mediumsingle choice

Which of the following groups can vote in UK general elections?

All residents of the UK aged 16 and over

Only people born in the UK

UK citizens, Irish citizens in the UK, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens aged 18+

Anyone in the world with a British passport

Explanation

Voting eligibility requires being 18+, and being a UK citizen, Irish citizen resident in the UK, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. The voting age is 18, not 16. Being born in the UK is not required.

hardsingle choice

Which of the following people CANNOT stand as a candidate in a UK general election?

A 25-year-old teacher

A serving member of the armed forces

A retired doctor

A shop owner aged 30

Explanation

Members of the armed forces, civil servants, and serving police officers cannot stand for election. Teachers, retired doctors, and shop owners are all eligible.

easysingle choice

At what age can you vote in UK general elections?

16

17

18

21

Explanation

You must be 18 or over to vote in UK general elections. 16 is too young. 17 is the minimum driving age. 21 used to be the voting age but was lowered to 18 in 1969.

hardsingle choice

Can members of the House of Lords stand for election to the House of Commons?

Yes, they can stand for any constituency

Yes, but only if they resign from the Lords first

No, members of the House of Lords cannot stand for the House of Commons

Yes, with permission from the monarch

Explanation

Members of the House of Lords cannot stand for election to the House of Commons. This is one of the restrictions on who may become a candidate.

mediumsingle choice

Can EU citizens vote in UK general elections?

Yes, in all elections

No, they cannot vote in any UK election

They can vote in local elections but not general elections

Only if they have lived in the UK for over 10 years

Explanation

EU citizens living in the UK can vote in local elections but not in general elections. Only UK citizens, Irish citizens living in the UK, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can vote in general elections. Options A and D are incorrect. Option B is wrong because EU citizens can participate in local elections.