General Election 2024
Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a General Election, setting the stage for the most significant political event in the UK this year.
Here's what you need to know to prepare for the upcoming election.
When is the Election?
The General Election will be held on Thursday, 4 July. This is your chance to let your voice be heard, mark this date on your calendar!
What Constituency Are You In?
Southampton is divided into three constituencies: Southampton Test, Southampton Itchen, and Romsey and Southampton North.
Knowing your constituency is essential as it determines which candidates you can vote for. If you're unsure about your constituency, you can find the local Liberal Democrat candidates in your area.
Voter Registration and Postal Voting
To vote in the upcoming General Election, you need to ensure that you are registered to vote. Here are the key deadlines you need to be aware of:
To vote in the General Election, you must meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include being a UK, Irish, or Commonwealth citizen aged 18 or over, and being resident at an address in the UK (or a UK citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years).
Voter Registration Deadline: You must be registered to vote by 11:59pm on Tuesday, 18 June. This step is mandatory for all eligible voters who wish to participate in the election. Register to vote here.
Postal Vote Application Deadline: If you prefer to vote by post, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, 19 June. Applying for a postal vote is a convenient option for those who may not be able to visit polling stations on election day. Find out more on how you can apply for a postal vote here.
Meet Southampton's Liberal Democrat Candidates
Geoff Cooper - Romsey and Southampton North
Geoff is a Councillor for North Baddesley. He’s a passionate campaigner and has a bold vision for the future. Geoff believes in a fair deal for everyone. Fair voting that represents all our views. Fair taxes that spreads the burden more equally. Fair opportunities in life that level the playfield for everyone. A fair day’s pay of a fair day’s work and finally, fair investment in our public services and the future of this great country.
Thomas Gravatt - Southampton Test
Elected in 2024 as Councillor for Swaythling - overturning a massive Labour majority. Thomas has worked hard over the past decade to call for improvements across Southampton. Thomas is campaigning to improve road safety in our area and to secure investment in local facilities. If elected, he will work to secure more funding for our NHS, fight against climate change, and improve Southampton for the better.
James Batho - Southampton Itchen
Elected in 2022 to Winchester City Council (WCC) in North Winchester with a significant majority. Currently Chair of the Economy and Housing Policy committee. James is campaigning on giving every child the best start in life by rincreasing school and college funding per pupil above the rate of inflation every year, improving the provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and extending pre-school funding to enable all parents to take on regular employment.
