What happens next?

Once you’ve registered, you can really begin to make yourself heard by using your vote. All you need is an election.

The Prime Minister normally decides when to call a General Election. They take place about every four years and must, by law, be within five years of the last one. This is when you get a chance to elect your local MP.

The leader of the party who wins the most seats will be asked by the Queen to form the new Government, while the other parties become the opposition. The second largest party forms the Official Opposition and gets privileges to enable them to hold the Government to account.

General Elections aren’t the only type of election when your vote counts. There are also local elections for your council and other regional bodies like the London Assembly, the European Parliament as well as the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly.

If your local MP leaves their post or dies, you may vote in a by-election, where just your constituency votes for a replacement MP.

what-it-means

By-election

An election fought in just one constituency where the vacancy for an MP has arisen.

Constituent

A resident of a constituency represented by an MP.

Devolved bodies

The Westminster Parliament has devolved power to the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly. These bodies can make legislation in certain policy areas, such as environment and business.

European election

Elections to the European Parliament.

General Election

The day, every four to five years, when candidates are elected to become MPs in every constituency in the country.

Local election

Elections held to choose local councillors who represent you in your local government offices.

London Assembly

The London Assembly is an elected body that works to govern the whole of London.

MP

Short for Member of Parliament.

The Opposition

MPs from parties that are not part of the governing party. They make the Government explain its actions and are responsible for providing the people with alternatives to government policies. The second largest party has a special role as the Official Opposition and receives privileges to enable it to hold the Government to account.

Political party

MPs are usually members of political parties that reflect their broad views. The three leading political parties in the Westminster Parliament are the Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats.

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the head of the Government. He or she is the leader of the party that wins the most seats at a General Election.

where-to-go

Parliament website

Learn more about how Parliament works and how you can get involved.

Parliament is not responsible for the content of external links.