British citizen living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections
British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit.
Supporting the awareness raising campaign of the UK’s Electoral Commission, Electoral Services Offices across the country are calling on British residents living abroad to check if they are eligible. The Commission is the independent and impartial organisation that oversees elections in the UK.
Those who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK parliamentary elections. They can register online at www.gov.uk/registertovote and will need to confirm their personal information every three years.
It’s important that eligible people are made aware of the changes so that they can register to vote and cast a ballot when the time comes.
If you used to live in the UK or know anyone who did, let them know they may be able to have their say at the next UK general election. It only takes five minutes to register, and it can be done online at www.gov.uk/registertovote
Applicants will need to provide details of the address and time they were last registered or resident. Local authorities must be able to verify an applicant’s identity and past connection to the area.
It’s also now possible to apply online to vote by post or proxy.
More information is available on our website.