UK Elections: Vote Before Deadline

0:00On April 20th, on May 7th, voters across the U.K. head to the polls for some major elections. In Scotland, all 129 members of the Scottish Parliament are up for grabs with 73 constituency spots and 56. Regional ones split across eight areas. Wales is electing 96 members to the Senate up from 60 across 16 new constituencies. England has about 5,000 local council seats in play, plus six mayoral races in places like Croydon and Tower Hamlets. Meanwhile, Scottish voters get two ballots each, one for their local member and one for regional reps, which helps balance things out at Holyrood. The winning party usually forms the government and picks the first minister to handle stuff like health and schools. These polls are the biggest since the general election almost two years back, with millions casting votes. Folks are buzzing about the stakes, especially in Scotland, where independence talk lingers in the background. No voter ID needed in person for Scottish or Welsh elections, making it straightforward.

1:04But in England's local votes, you've got to show photo ID like a passport or driver's license, even if it's expired, as long as it's you. If you're in England and short on ID, grab a free voter authority certificate, deadlines 5pm British summertime on April 28th. The registration for all these closes tonight at 11.59pm, British summertime, so hit up your national insurance number online or paper form to your council. With so much on the line from local fixes to national shifts, get registered and make your voice count before it's too late.