General election deadline to register tonight

Since the election was called last month, 38,844 applications to register have been made in NI

The Electoral Commission is urging people in Northern Ireland who want to vote in the upcoming general election to register before Tuesday night's deadline.

The UK general election will be held on 4 July.

Of the 650 MPs that will be chosen, 18 will represent constituencies in Northern Ireland.

The commission has said since the election was called last month, 38,844 applications to register have been made in Northern Ireland.

But it said that groups less likely to be registered include younger voters, private renters and people who have recently moved house.

The deadline to register is 23:59 BST.

'Quick and simple'

Cahir Hughes, head of the electoral commission in Northern Ireland, said: “Anyone that wants to have their say in Northern Ireland at the ballot box for the UK general election must be registered to vote before the deadline of midnight on Tuesday.

"Registering online is quick and simple, so don’t put it off any longer.

“If you know anyone who hasn’t yet registered, please let them know that time is running out ahead of this general election.”

If you plan to vote at a polling station you need to check if you have an accepted form of ID to get your ballot paper.

The Electoral Office in NI has said there was more demand for postal and proxy votes this year, given the election on 4 July coincides with summer holidays starting.

The deadline for that passed on Friday, 14 June.