General Election 2017 timetable
The date of the next general election has been announced as Thursday 8 June 2017.
Here is the expected timetable for what will happen during the campaign and after polling day, when the newly elected MPs take their seats and when Members of the Lords return.
- General Election 2017 timetable
- Before the 2017 General Election
- Election day and results
- The Return of Parliament
- State Opening of Parliament
- The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011
General Election 2017 timetable
Please be aware that the timetable may change in the event of days being appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning.
This timetable is based on the assumption that the writ was received on the day following the dissolution of Parliament.
Before the 2017 General Election
Prorogation 2017
The formal end of the parliamentary session is marked by what is known as ‘prorogation’. The House of Commons may decide that it will not prorogue.
Wednesday 3 May 2017 – Dissolution of Parliament
A proclamation will be made announcing when Parliament will meet after the general election and setting the date of the Queen’s Speech at State Opening.
Writs will be issued for elections in the UK’s 650 constituencies.
Thursday 11 May 2017 – Deadline for the delivery of nomination papers
Deadline for candidates to deliver nomination papers to Returning Officer (4pm) and deadline for candidates to withdraw (4pm).
Monday 22 May 2017 – Voter registration deadline
This is the cut-off date for UK citizens aged 18 or over to register to vote in the general election.
It also marks the deadline for voters to apply for a postal or a proxy vote.
Candidates’ nomination papers must be delivered to the local returning officer. Any candidate wishing to withdraw must do so on this date.
Election agents, who ensure the proper management of each candidate’s campaign, must also be appointed.
Tuesday 23 May 2017 – Deadline for postal vote applications
5pm on this day marks the deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes.
Wednesday 31 May 2017 – Deadline for proxy vote applications
Deadline for applying for a proxy vote (except for emergency proxies) at 5pm.
Election day and results
Thursday 8 June 2017 – Polling day
Polling booths will be open between 7am and 10pm. Counting of votes will begin when the polls close.
The Return of Parliament
Tuesday 13 June 2017 – Parliament is expected to return for the election of the Speaker
Election of the Speaker of the House of Commons
The Speaker is elected on the first day that the House meets after the General Election.
Swearing in of MPs will take place on subsequent days
When Parliament returns, MPs start swearing the Oath of Allegiance or making an Affirmation in the Commons.
Members of the House of Lords start swearing the Oath of Allegiance or making an Affirmation in the Lords.
State Opening of Parliament
Monday 19 June 2017 – The Queen’s Speech 2017
The Queen’s Speech is delivered at the State Opening of the new Parliament.
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011
Triggering an election other than at five year intervals
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 provides for general elections to be held on the first Thursday in May every five years. There are two provisions that trigger an election other than at five year intervals.
- A motion of no confidence is passed in Her Majesty’s Government by a simple majority and 14 days elapses without the House passing a confidence motion in any new Government formed
- A motion for a general election is agreed by two thirds of the total number of seats in the Commons including vacant seats (currently 434 out of 650)
On Wednesday 19 April 2017, MPs voted by 522 to 13 to allow an early general election. The election is therefore taking place on Thursday 8 June 2017.
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