EU referendum: There's still time to register to vote after deadline extension

Anyone who has yet to register to vote in this month's EU referendum can still do so ‒ but only until 11.59pm tonight

One of the main Leave campaigns is considering challenging the decision to extend the deadline in the courts (iStock)

Anyone who has yet to register to vote in this month's EU referendum can still do so ‒ but only until 11.59pm tonight.

Voting was due to have closed on Tuesday but thousands of people appeared to have been disenfranchised after the voter registration website crashed amid a last minute surge in demand.

Around 500,000 people registered to vote during the day, including more than 50,000 at the time the site crashed, around 10.15pm.

The late-evening surge came in the wake of David Cameron and Nigel Farage's televised debate on the 23 June referendum.

As a result the Government announced it would bring in emergency legislation to extend the registration deadline.

That infuriated one of the main Leave campaigns ‒ because they fear those people registering at the last minute are most likely to be young and planning to vote remain.

They are considering challenging the decision in the courts. But regardless, the registration period is still open: but only for a few more hours.

This really is the last chance for everyone to have their say.

A step-by-step guide on how to register, what to expect and how to vote in the EU referendum:

When is it?

Thursday 23 June 2016. Polling stations across the UK will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Am I eligible to vote?

You can vote in the referendum if you’re registered and are 18 or over on the day of the vote (so you can vote if your 18th birthday is on the same day – happy birthday!). Other requirements include:

• A British citizen living in the UK, or 
• A Commonwealth citizen living in the UK who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require leave to remain in the UK
• A British citizen living overseas who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years
• An Irish citizen living overseas who was born in Northern Ireland and who has been registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years

If you’re under 18 then you might be aware that the Conservatives blocked an amendment to allow 16 and 17 year-olds to vote in the referendum.

Okay, I've done all that. What will I be asked?

This question will appear on your ballot paper: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”

You’ll be given the option to put a cross next to “Remain” or “Leave”.

How do I register?

If you registered to vote in the May local and mayoral elections a few weeks ago then you will not need to re-register.

You have to register before 7 June to have your say in the referendum. You can do that here: gov.uk/register-to-vote

There is a caveat: If you’ve moved home in the last few weeks then you will need to re-register at your new property.

Still not convinced you’re registered?

Every local authority holds the electoral register for their area. You can contact your local registration office and they will be able to let you know if you are registered.

To find the contact details of your local office, enter your postcode here on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Where do I vote?

You can vote in the referendum in person at your local polling station – which you’ll be able to find the location of on the Electoral Commission’s website closer to voting day.

I’ll be at Glastonbury. What do I do?

Fear not. You will not be disenfranchised while singing to Adele’s "Set Fire to the Rain" with a lighter in your hand at the Pyramid Stage. Instead of voting in person, on the day, you can register for either a postal vote or a proxy vote.

If you are now left wondering: what is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum? you can read more here

For a postal vote: you will need to download this form and send it to your local registration office (mentioned above). This will need to arrive at the office by 5pm on 8 June 2016. Your local council will then send you a ballot paper by post, which will need to arrive back at the office by 10pm on 23 June.

The second option – a proxy vote – means allowing somebody you trust to vote on your behalf. Check here for the correct form to fire off.

The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we we’re running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.

What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?

Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?

What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?

Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?

Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?

Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?

What will Brexit do to UK trade?

How Brexit will affect British tourism

What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?

Will Brexit help or damage the environment?

Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?

What will Brexit mean for British expats?

You have

 

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left to register