New voting rights for Britons living outside the UK

Changes to voting rights from January 2024 

As of January 2024, the "15-year rule" has been abolished. This landmark change to the Elections Act restored voting rights to an estimated 2.1 million British citizens living abroad. If you have ever lived in or been registered to vote in the UK, you are now eligible to participate in UK General Elections for life.

How to Register

The registration process is completed online and is designed to be straightforward. To verify your identity and previous UK residency, you will typically need:

• Your National Insurance number

• Your UK passport number

• The postcode of your last UK residence

What to Expect

In most cases, these details are enough for the registration office to confirm your eligibility automatically. However, if you haven't been registered in the UK for a long time, you may be asked to provide supplemental evidence (such as an old utility bill or official correspondence) to prove your previous residency.

Choosing How to Vote

Registering is only the first step. To cast your ballot from abroad, you must separately choose your preferred voting method:

• Postal Vote: Your ballot is sent to your overseas address.

• Proxy Vote: You appoint a trusted person in the UK to cast your vote at your local polling station on your behalf. They can register to vote by post, so don't need to live in the area where you have a vote.

Valid for Three Years

Your registration remains valid for three years (increased in 2024 from the previous one-year limit). To ensure you never lose your voice, an email reminder will be sent to you several months before your registration is due for renewal.