As a result of the chaos ensuing in the British Parliament due to its failure to agree terms for the withdrawal or otherwise from the European Union (EU), there is the possibility that there could be a national election in the near future. This election or elections could take the form of one or more of the following: a general election, a referendum and/or elections to the European Parliament.
It is the right of every registered UK citizen, over the age of 18, living abroad, to vote in UK national elections, for up to 15 years after leaving the UK. However, they are are not allowed to vote in local elections, elections to the Devolved Scottish Parliament or elections to the Welsh or Northern Irish Assemblies. Their vote could be cast, either by post, in person or by proxy, in the last Constituency they were eligible to vote in, prior to leaving the UK.
Previous Residents of England, Scotland and Wales can register to vote online in the same way as all other voters in the United Kingdom.
Register online any time at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Anyone wishing to register as an overseas elector in Northern Ireland cannot register online. However, it is possible to complete a paper application form and return it to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
Once Registered, as an overseas voter, you may cast your vote in several different ways:
1. By Post
Visit the following website: www.yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-vote/voting-by-post
Download the form to apply to vote by post (PDF)
After completing the form, you'll need to print it, sign it, and send it back to the local authority you were last registered with, prior to leaving the UK. Your local authority can be found by entering the Postcode of the your last UK address in the section on the same webpage. Around 10 days prior to the election the local authority will then send you The Ballot Paper, which needs to be returned promptly, as it has to be received by the authority by 10 pm on the day of the election.
2. By Proxy
Visit the following Website: www.yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-vote/voting-by-proxy
Download the form for a proxy vote as you're living overseas (PDF)
Follow the instructions indicated on the form, be aware that the process of nominating a proxy voter can take some time and is generally not as reliable as a postal vote.
3. In Person
A registered Voter is also entitled to vote in person.
