Expat Voting Rights: British Citizens Living Overseas Regain Right To Vote

As of the 16th January 2024, British expats who have been living abroad for more than 15 years have regained their right to vote in UK general elections.

Previously, British expats lost these rights after living abroad continuously for 15 years or longer, but this change to the law could allow roughly 3 million additional British expats to register to vote, according to government estimates.

Votes for life

The adoption of this ‘votes for life’ policy is part of the UK Government’s Election Act, passed in 2022, and mirrors the legal rights that citizens of many major democracies have been enjoying for years, such as Canada, France, Japan and the United States, to name but a few.

In addition to voting in general elections, long-term expats will also be able to vote in some referenda, with rules varying for each vote.

The timing of this change to the electoral rules is timely, with a UK general election being almost guaranteed this year, though it could take place in January 2025 at the latest.

The Electoral Commission has stated that it is working to inform all British citizens living abroad that their voting rights have been reinstated, and have asked for help spreading the message far and wide.

To help get expats informed on all these points and more, we’ve put together a set of handy FAQs:

What has changed?

UK expats who have lived abroad for 15 years or more are no longer ineligible to vote. This means that all British citizens can now vote in UK general elections regardless of which country they live in and for how long.

Do I need to register?

Yes, you will need to register to be able to vote in UK elections. While registering allows you to vote, you will need to renew your registration every three years.

How do I register to vote as an expat?

If you’re registering as an overseas voter, you apply for either a postal vote or a proxy vote, where you elect someone to vote on your behalf. You can submit your application for either type of vote online or by post.

Postal votes are not available for overseas voters registered in Northern Ireland, who must instead choose to apply for a proxy vote. These applications must be made via a paper form.

Full details on how to register to vote can be found on the UK government’s website.

Where in the UK do I register if I haven’t had a UK address in over 15 years?

If you haven’t lived in the UK for 15 years or longer, then you will need to apply to register in the local authority of the last address where you lived or were registered to vote. You will need to provide the details of the address you lived and when you lived there, enabling the local authority to verify your identity and previous connection to the area.

The Electoral Commission provides a handy postcode lookup tool which allows you to find the relevant council for UK postcodes, which could help long-term expats whose previous address has changed local authority since they last lived there.

What votes can I take part in?

As an expat, registering to vote will allow you to cast your ballot in UK general elections and some referenda. Each referendum has its own specific rules, meaning the right to vote in these is not guaranteed. You won’t be able to vote in local elections.

What if I was a child when I last lived in the UK?

If you were a child when you last lived in the UK, you will still be able to register to vote so long as you are a UK citizen and can provide details of your last UK address and when you lived there.

Wherever you move, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expatriates finding best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance. Plus, we produce lots of expert material to help you and your family adapt to life abroad. Check out our list of countries with the best healthcare in the world.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could support you.