UK GOVERNMENT PLEDGES LIFETIME VOTING RIGHTS FOR EXPATS

On 7 October 2016, the UK Government published detailed plans on how it will deliver its commitment to allow all expats to vote in Parliamentary Elections.

The UK Minister for the Constitution, Chris Skidmore, announced a policy statement setting out how the Government will remove the current 15-year time limit on British citizens who live abroad registering as overseas electors.  The changes will give all eligible British citizens who have lived in the UK a lifelong right to vote in Parliamentary Elections.

This proposed policy is the latest in a series of measures to make it easier for overseas voters to take part in British democracy. During the last Parliament, the UK Government introduced online voter registration, making it quick, easy and secure to register anywhere in the world. The Government also took steps to extend the electoral timetable for Postal Ballots to be issued earlier to ensure that as many electors as possible can participate in their democracy.

The new policy will mean all eligible overseas electors are able to register to vote quickly and easily, while maintaining the integrity of the Electoral Register and guarding against fraud.

You can find out more about the policy at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-delivers-on-pledge-to-give-back-british-expats-the-right-to-vote

SHG

11 October 2016

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