Are you a British citizen living abroad? Or do you have friends or family living abroad who are British citizens?
British citizens living abroad can now vote in UK Parliament elections even if they’ve lived outside the UK for more than 15 years.
They will need to have previously lived or been registered to vote in the UK at some point in their life.
They can now also register to vote online and their overseas declaration is now valid for three years, lasting until 1 November in the third year after it takes effect.
These changes apply to UK Parliament general elections, by-elections and recall petitions. They do not apply to local elections.
When applying, you need to provide the last UK address you lived at or were registered to vote at. You also need to provide your National Insurance number and date of birth. These are used to verify your identity.
You can apply to vote by post or by proxy. You can also vote in person if you will be in the UK on polling day. You cannot vote in person at a British embassy, high commission or consulate.
To apply to vote by post or proxy, you need to complete a separate application alongside applying to vote as an overseas voter.
In 2022, the UK Parliament passed the Elections Act, which made several changes to the UK’s electoral system. These changes include the removal of the 15-year limit on the rights of eligible British citizens to vote in UK Parliament elections.
For more information visit the Electoral Commission's website.