Who Can Register to Vote

Summary

British, Commonwealth, Republic of Ireland, or European Union Citizens who are eighteen years of age or over.

Eligibility

Commonwealth Countries

British Overseas Territories

List of EU Member States

MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES

If you are a serving member of the armed forces you have a choice and can register to vote in respect of your service address, a UK address where you are living now; or where you would be living if you were not in the armed forces.

If you are a serving member of the armed forces, or spouse, please contact  Electoral Services for a form.

Crown servants and their spouses may register in a similar way.

STUDENTS

If you are studying away from home, at college or university, you can register to vote at both your home and term-time address. You are allowed to vote in either area but you would be committing a criminal offence if you voted more than once at a Parliamentary Election.

PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS

A patient in a mental hospital, who is not held there because of criminal behaviour, can be registered to vote. He or she can register using either the address of the mental hospital; a home address; or by making a declaration of local connection. The declaration of local connection would permit registration at an address where the applicant has a connection.

Please contact Electoral Services for further information.

PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS

A homeless person can register to vote by making a declaration of local connection. The person would give an address of, or nearest to, a place where he or she spends a substantial amount of time.

Please contact Electoral Services for further information.

PEOPLE IN PRISON ON REMAND

A person remanded in custody awaiting trial can be included in the Register of Electors. He or she can register at the address at which they are detained; a home address; or by making a declaration of local connection. The declaration would permit registration at an address where the applicant has a connection.

Please contact Electoral Services for further information.

KEEPING YOUR VOTE IF YOU MOVE ABROAD

British citizens, living or working abroad, may still register to vote at Parliamentary and European Parliamentary elections in respect of their last address in the UK. Your right to vote in UK elections can last for up to 15 years.

Please contact Electoral Services for an application.