Updated: Boundary changes and candidates and where to vote for General Election in Glasgow Southside
As we hurtle towards the upcoming election date on the 4 July, here’s what you need to know in terms of the Glasgow boundary changes, candidates for each of the constituency and Hustings taking place in Glasgow East and Glasgow South.
Still undecided? Read the answers that the candidates from Glasgow East & Glasgow South gave to the questions you sent in here.
By Devon McCole
This year’s general election will take place this summer and it has been confirmed that polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on the 4 July
The election date isn’t the only thing that has changed for voters this election year. Boundary changes to our electoral map means our constituencies have been redrawn and, following changes recently implemented by the UK Government, voters now must bring proof of their identity to the polling stations.
So, we’ve put together a list of everything you’ll need to know ahead of this year’s election to keep you informed and make sure everyone gets the chance to have their say.
What are the boundary changes and why the change?
Why the electoral map is changing
Regular reviews of constituency boundaries occur to track population changes and ensure fair representation. MPs aim to have roughly the same number of voters in their areas, balancing representation across the country. Some existing constituencies are too large or too small, making adjustments necessary.
The electoral map evolves over time, so that growing cities gain more representation as their populations increase. But boundary changes can obviously be contentious, especially if they affect historic communities or cross established boundaries.
To make the process as fair as possible, independent commissions in each UK region propose specific boundary adjustments. They consider things like geography, local ties, and council boundaries. These changes generally aim for balanced representation while respecting historical and geographical factors. But the changes are bound to have some political impact too.
The proposed new boundaries affecting Govanhill and the neighbouring areas
The boundary changes have cut the Glasgow Central constituency which Govanhill was previously located within. The new lines have effectively cut Govanhill off from its neighbours as it has been grouped in with Glasgow East – reaching north as far as Merchant City and then stretching East as far as Baillieston.
Much of the rest of the surrounding Southside neighbourhoods now make up Glasgow South.
Who are the candidates?
The following are all the candidates we currently know are standing. We’ll update this as more are announced.
Glasgow East General Election 2024 Candidates:
Labour: John Grady
Liberal Democrats: Mathew James Clark
Scottish Nationalist Party: David Linden (incumbent)
Scottish Socialist Party: Liam McLaughlan
Scottish Greens: Amy Kettyles
Conservative: Thomas Kerr
Reform UK: Donnie McLeod
Workers Party of Britain: Maximilian Owen
Glasgow South General Election 2024 Candidates:
Scottish Labour: Gordon McKee
Scottish Nationalist Party: Stewart McDonald (incumbent)
Scottish Greens: Niall Christie
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition: Brian Smith
Liberal Democrats: Peter Michael McLaughlin
Alba Party: Dhruva Kumar
Conservative and Unionist Party: Haroun Malik
Reform UK: Danny Raja
Hustings
Glasgow East constituency debate focused on poverty-related issues.
When: Monday, June 24, 7-8:30PM
Where: Glasgow Elim Church 42 Inglefield Street, Glasgow, G42 7AT
The Health and Social Care ALLIANCE in Scotland hosting a human rights themed online hustings
When: Tuesday 25 June, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Where: Zoom
When: Tuesday, 25 June, 7-8:30pm.
Where: Langside Parish Church, 167 Ledard Rd, Glasgow G42 9QU
Who is eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote if you are:
Aged 16 or older for UK Parliament elections.
A British citizen living in Scotland.
An Irish citizen living in Scotland.
A foreign national living in Scotland with leave to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need leave.
Remember, you only need to register once, not for every election. However, if you change your name, address, or nationality, you’ll need to update your registration.
Anyone eligible to vote should have registered by 18 June.
What do I need with me to vote?
In Scotland, you MUST bring a valid ID with an up-to-date picture of you to the polling stations in order to prove your identity. his will apply to UK parliamentary elections, including general elections and by-elections. If you do not bring a valid photographic ID, you will NOT be allowed to cast your vote.
The IDs listed below will be accepted. Click here for a full list.
A passport
Driving license
Bus pass: an older persons’ or disabled persons’ pass
Young Scot card
If you don’t have an acceptable form of ID, you can also apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to vote in the general election this July. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.
You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate. If you are already registered but have no valid form of ID, you can apply for your Voter Authority Certificate here.
Greater Govanhill – Citizens Agenda election coverage
We want to know what issues are most important to you this general election, to build a Citizen's Agenda to make sure politicians are answering to their constituents, instead of setting their own agenda.
This approach is designed to put power back in the hands of the people that politicians are meant to be serving.
We asked people on social media, online and on the streets: What do you want the candidates standing in your constituency to be talking about as they compete for votes?
Based on the responses to the survey we put a set of questions to all candidates standing locally. Read their answers by clicking on the link below: