too late to vote ?

[joy division]

I am not on the electorial register, but would like to participate in next months general election. Am I too late to register to vote? ...somebody told me the deadline was March 31st this year?

[bernardo]

The deadline was 11th March.  If you are not on the electoral  register, is this because you have moved address?  If so, you may find that you are listed at your old address and that you might be able to vote there.  The electoral register is compiled every year in October(ish) on the basis of forms which were sent out in September(ish).  So if you were living somewhere else and have moved since September(ish), it is worth checking with the local authority for your old address.

[elgroucho]

The register is updated monthly, so it is never too out of date. If you aren't already registered then you are now too late for the 5th May election.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2005/voters_guide/htm l/2.stm

[joy division]

Thanks guys, ..much appreciated.

[Peter Pedant]

Some people were left off a register and gave notice.

They turned up to vote and were refused

They sought out a judge in chambers and applied for an order - mandamus - I think ordering the returning officer to give them a ballot form.

They then retruned to the voting stattion and presented the order (gasp) whereupon the officer gave them a 'spare' vote, and they voted! all before 10 pm

One of them commented afterwards - I am a barrister and had nothing better to do today.

But in this case - it doesnt look as though you have tried to register and failed.