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Proxy voting for students abroad on holiday jobs

(10 Posts)
Doodledog Sun 26-May-24 08:54:23

I got a postal vote for the local elections, and it took about 2 weeks to come through.

I agree that the GE has been announced with short notice, but there is definitely time to get something in place so that students aren't disenfranchised. It's up to the individual of course, but my two always voted in their hometown (ie used my address) as they saw themselves as having more of a vested interest in who represented people there than in the cities in which they were studying, as they were 'just passing through'. I thought that was a sensible approach, as results could be skewed in areas with a bit student population if they all voted in their temporary constituencies. If they choose to vote 'at home' it is even easier to get it set up with the help of their parents, or whoever is at the address they use to register.

Joseann Sun 26-May-24 08:14:32

Students who want to vote will sort it out, those that aren't interested won't.
True.

Joseann Sun 26-May-24 08:13:07

Callistemon21

Doodledog

Can’t they register for a postal vote?

I don't know how long that takes and many people could be away on holiday, particularly in Scotland as school holidays start at the end of June.

Not just Scotland, many English private schools including, Rishi's own girls', start their holidays at the end of June.

eazybee Sun 26-May-24 08:05:19

I'm sure that many of my fellow grans have GC in the same predicament and it would be sad if they were unable to cast their votes on what, for most of them, will be the first General Election in which they will be eligible to vote.

What predicament? It is the grandchild's responsibility to sort out registering for a vote, not mummy or Granny.

annodomini Sat 25-May-24 23:29:27

If my DGD registered for a postal vote, there's no saying how long it would take to arrive from USA, so might miss the count. I was able, years ago, to cast a proxy vote for my DS who was working abroad because he told me whom he wanted to vote for. Luckily it was also my favoured candidate...

OldFrill Sat 25-May-24 23:08:58

Students can register at their home (family) address and/or their student address. They can only vote once. Students who want to vote will sort it out, those that aren't interested won't.

HousePlantQueen Sat 25-May-24 23:00:17

It is tricky registering for a postal vote when you are in and out of temporary student accommodation.

Callistemon21 Sat 25-May-24 22:58:32

Doodledog

Can’t they register for a postal vote?

I don't know how long that takes and many people could be away on holiday, particularly in Scotland as school holidays start at the end of June.

Doodledog Sat 25-May-24 22:20:41

Can’t they register for a postal vote?

annodomini Sat 25-May-24 22:19:05

When the General Election was announced, it immediately occurred to me that two of my GC who are University students will be working abroad by July 4th - one in USA and the other in France. My DGD has already applied for a proxy vote and her brother is intending to do so.
I'm sure that many of my fellow grans have GC in the same predicament and it would be sad if they were unable to cast their votes on what, for most of them, will be the first General Election in which they will be eligible to vote. The application can be made on line or by post. The link for this procedure is:

www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote?step-by-step-nav=ff81c31c-3282-49df-85a4-013887130110.

Or just Google 'proxy voting ' which will take them to the web site.