Register to Vote

On 16 January 2024, thanks to the abolition of the ‘15 year rule’, 2.1 million more British citizens became eligible to vote in UK parliamentary elections, bringing the total number of Brits abroad eligible to vote to around 3.5 million.

This is a potential electorate almost the size of Scotland’s, with a chance for the first time to make a real difference in a UK General Election in a number of marginal constituencies.

These changes mean that:

• British citizens abroad who have previously lived in the UK are now able to vote in UK parliamentary elections and some referenda, no matter how long they have been away from the UK.

• The registration period has changed from every year to every three years.

Anyone registering now will be able to vote in the next UK General Election, which must be held by January 2025.

All newly-eligible overseas voters should gather details of their proof of identity (for example, their National Insurance number, plus current or expired passport). In addition, they will need to provide the postcode and address of their last place of residence or of voter registration in the UK.

Please see our fuller explanation of the electoral changes and how to register at: https://www.britsabroad.vote/

Find your Electoral Registration office: https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office