Changes to Overseas Voting Rules for UK Citizens

If you are a British or eligible Irish citizen living overseas who has previously lived in the UK or been registered to vote in the UK, you can register to vote in UK Parliamentary elections. 

A number of changes to voting from overseas now apply: 

• You can register to vote if you previously lived in the UK but were not registered to vote. 
• You can register to vote in the UK no matter how long ago you left or were last registered to vote.
• Your overseas declaration is now valid for three years, lasting until 1 November in the third year after it takes effect (for example, if your declaration takes effect on 1 March 2024, it will expire on 1 November 2026).
• You can now register online (not available in Northern Ireland). 

If you are an overseas voter who registered to vote before 16 January 2024, you will need to renew your registration when your declaration expires. If you applied for a proxy vote before 31 October 2023, this will expire on 31 January 2024 and you will need to reapply for a proxy vote. 

If you have a long-term postal vote that you applied for before 31 October 2023, this will now expire on 31 January 2026. The electoral services team at your local council will contact you before your postal vote expires.

If you would like more information on the changes to overseas voting rules for UK citizens, you can visit the official Electoral Commission website at: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/other-registration-options/voting-if-you-live-overseas