With just over seven weeks to go until the next general election takes place, here’s your guide to what happens next and how to register to vote.

What happens now?

Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, general elections take place every five years, meaning Theresa May would have had to carry on until 2020 before the chance to strengthen her position.

She can call for an early election under the Act, but she will need the support of two-thirds of the 650 MPs in the Commons when they vote today (Wed). Labour have confirmed they will vote for the plan.

What comes after that?

There will be a short “wash-up” period to clear up outstanding legislation such as the Finance Bill to enable the funding of government to carry on.

Parliament will then be dissolved on Wednesday May 3, 25 working days before polling, marking the start of the official campaign.

When is the general election set to take place?

Thursday, June 8.

Am I eligible to vote?

You can vote in the general election if you are registered and 18 or over on the day of the vote.

You must also be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years.

Do I need to register?

You need to be on the electoral register to vote in elections and referendums.

How do I know if I’m registered to vote?

To check the electoral register, you need to contact your local authority.

They will be able to tell you if you are registered. It's not currently possible to check your registration status online.

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How do I register to vote?

If you are in England, you’ll need to visit gov.uk/register-to-vote

You will need your National Insurance number and your passport if you’re a British citizen living abroad.

If you’ve moved home since the last time you voted, then you will need to re-register at your new address if you've not done so already.

When you register to your new address, your new local authority will make sure you're removed from the register at your old address.

You can still register to vote even if you do not have a fixed address.

How do I vote?

You can vote the following ways:

• At your local polling station on June 8 – you’ll be able to find out which is your nearest on the Electoral Commission’s website closer to voting day

• By post or proxy

For a postal vote you will need to download this form, fill it in and send it to your local registration office. You can find their details at yourvotematters.co.uk.

Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote.

What's the postal vote deadline?

You must return your postal vote application form by 5pm, 11 working days before an election or referendum.

If you are not already registered to vote, your application to register must have reached the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight, 12 working days before the poll.

Where do I vote?

The location of your polling station will be on the polling card that will be delivered to you before polling day.

Alternatively, you can contact your local elections office to find out.

When are the polling stations open?

Polling hours are usually between 7am and 10pm.