Life in the UK test questions on elections and voting

Practise elections and voting

Questions and answers on elections and voting

The same 7 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

1. 1. What must you do before you are able to vote in an election?

   • Make sure your name is on the electoral register — correct answer
   • Join a political party
   • Pay a voting fee to your council
   • Attend a public meeting in your constituency

   Only people on the electoral register may vote. Registering is free and is handled by your local council. Handbook section 5.8.

2. 2. How can you contact your MP about a problem?

   • By letter, telephone or email through their constituency office — correct answer
   • Only by writing to the monarch
   • Only by attending a party conference
   • Only through a solicitor

   You can write to, telephone or email your MP at their constituency office, or write to them at the House of Commons in London. Many MPs also hold surgeries. Handbook section 5.8.

3. 3. Under the 'first past the post' system, which candidate wins a constituency?

   • The candidate with the most votes in that constituency — correct answer
   • The candidate with more than half of all votes across the UK
   • The candidate chosen by the outgoing MP
   • The candidate whose party spent the least money

   In each constituency the candidate with the largest number of votes is elected, even if that is less than half the votes cast. This is called first past the post. Handbook section 5.8.

4. 4. What is a postal vote?

   • A ballot paper sent to you to complete at home and return by post — correct answer
   • A vote cast by telephone
   • A vote cast on behalf of the whole household
   • A vote counted only if the result is close

   If you cannot get to a polling station you can apply for a postal vote and return your completed ballot paper by post before the deadline. Handbook section 5.8.

5. 5. Who may generally stand for public office in the UK?

   • Most British, Irish and eligible Commonwealth citizens aged 18 or over — correct answer
   • Anyone aged 16 or over
   • Only people who have been party members for ten years
   • Only people who already sit in the House of Lords

   Standing for office is open to most citizens aged 18 or over, though certain groups are barred, including serving members of the armed forces and civil servants. Handbook section 5.8.

6. 6. Who may look at the full electoral register?

   • It is open to public inspection, though it must be viewed under supervision — correct answer
   • Only the police
   • Only Members of Parliament
   • Nobody, it is completely secret

   The register is a public document that can be inspected, which helps keep elections honest. There are strict rules on how the information may be used. Handbook section 5.8.

7. 7. Which voting system is used to elect members of the devolved parliaments and assemblies?

   • A form of proportional representation — correct answer
   • First past the post exactly as in a general election
   • Appointment by the Prime Minister
   • A show of hands at public meetings

   The Scottish Parliament, the Senedd in Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly all use forms of proportional representation, so seats are shared out more closely in line with votes cast. Handbook section 5.8.