First-time voters have until today to register ahead of General Election

Those who are looking to vote for the first time in the 4 July General Election are reminded that today is the deadline to register.

Every British citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote at a General Election, but individuals are not automatically added to a list of approved voters – they must register to vote online.

You can register to vote online using your national insurance number. Voters must be registered at their current address, therefore must update details any time they move.

The deadline for registration for this election is 11.59pm today (Tuesday 18 June).

You must show proof of identity in order to vote, following a new requirement introduced last year. Find a full list of accepted forms of photo ID here.

Those who are registering to vote for the first time but don’t have suitable ID will have to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate as part of the registration process (and provide a photo).

If you registered before ID was a requirement for voting, and don’t have suitable ID, then you can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate until Wednesday 26 June.

Those looking to apply for a postal vote must do so by 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday 19th June).

Raj Kandola (pictured), director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We encourage all those who are eligible to exercise their right to vote in the general elections in July, and to make sure they are registered to do so by today’s deadline.

"We look forward to working with the successful candidates in due course to implement the recommendations of the Business Commission West Midlands in order to champion investment and tackle the barriers impeding economic growth."

Register to vote (or update your registration)

Apply online for a postal vote

Find out more about the Business Commission West Midlands