UK Parliamentary elections (general elections)

When do these elections take place?

General elections to elect the 650 Members of the UK Parliament (MPs) usually take place every 5 years, although they may take place more frequently in certain circumstances.

What are the Parliamentary constituencies within North Kesteven?

At UK Parliamentary elections the Electoral Services team at North Kesteven District Council administer the election for the MP that will represent the Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency, which also covers part of the South Kesteven District Council area.

The two district wards of Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East, and Skellingthorpe are within the Lincoln parliamentary constituency and the City of Lincoln Council administer the election for the MP representing that constituency. Therefore, at the time of a Parliamentary election they will issue the postal votes and be in charge of the polling stations serving electors that live within North Kesteven but fall within the Lincoln constituency.

The extent of each Parliamentary constituency can be viewed as a map.

Who can vote at a UK Parliamentary election?

 To vote at the UK general election you must be registered to vote and:

  • 18 years of age or over on polling day
  • be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
  • be 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)
  • not be legally excluded from voting

How is an MP elected?

MPs are elected using the First Past the Post system. Each elector can vote for only one of the candidates standing in their constituency and the candidate who receives the most votes is elected as the MP for that area.

Qualifications for standing as a Parliamentary candidate

  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Must be a qualifying Commonwealth (including British) citizen or a Republic of Ireland citizen.

Disqualifications from standing as a Parliamentary candidate

Please refer to the Electoral Commission’s webpage Part 1 - Can you stand for election - UKPGE (electoralcommission.org.uk) for the full guidance on disqualifications. 

Find out more information on the UK Parliament website and Electoral Commission website.

At the time of an election more detailed information for voters, candidates and agents, including the election timetable will be found on our forthcoming election and referendum dates pages.