The General Election will be held on Thursday 4 July 2024
As a nation, political parties will be seeking to gain our votes at the polls. As Christians we pray for our nations and hold a responsibility to ensure that regardless who is leading the country that political parties challenge injustice and work on the behalf of those who are marginalised. We also encourage and model respect of others in the election process.
As a Diocese we pray towards the General Election. We ask God for wisdom and pray for peace through this time.
The Archbishops have shared an Invitation to pray for the nation.
‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Useful information
As well as pray, we act through voting, and we have provided below some helpful information as we encourage registrations for voting and remind of the new ID requirements.
For further information please contact Natalie Walters- Head of JPIC at [email protected]
Churches Together Elections website with helpful documents, news, events and resources for churches
Register to vote
You can register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Photo ID rules
You will need to present one form of photo ID; it must be the original and not a copy! If your photo ID is expired or out of date it can still be used if it still looks like you.
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Concessionary photo card e.g. Freedom pass
- Biometric immigration document or Identity card with PASS mark*
If you do not have a photo ID you can apply for a FREE Voter Authority Certificate, the certificate doesn’t have an expiry date so worth applying if needed for future need. A full list of permitted ID can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID
*Local elections
Church of England 'Environment and the General Election' resource
Will your church be a polling station?
If so, are your noticeboards up to date with church activities and people to contact? Are they appealing?
As well as offering a crucial service, being a polling station is a fantastic opportunity for engagement with your community with increased footfall through the building. It’s a great chance to showcase what is taking place in your parish, and to reach people who might never normally go into a church. We’d love to hear how churches are preparing for polling day – like offering tea and biscuits, or putting up information about Jesus.
For further information please contact Natalie Walters, Head of JPIC at [email protected]
