Who can register to vote?

Who can register to vote?

Information about eligible nationalites, residence and age

Age

Everyone eligible over the age of 18 can vote and must register. 16/17 can register so they can vote immediately after their 18th birthday.

Residence

People can register ONLY  for the address where they are living. If you change your address you can now re-register as soon as you move. Special rules apply for students and people with more than one home.

Nationality/ Citizenship

Only British, Commonwealth, Irish and European Union citizens are allowed to vote. This is the list of countries whose citizens are allowed to vote in this country.

Important - if you are the citizen of a country NOT listed below you CANNOT  vote - even if you are allowed to live in this country.

British Dependent Territories, including Bermuda, Falkland Islands and Gibraltar

European Union Countries (not for UK parliamentary elections)

Hong Kong

At the ‘handover’ to China, some Hong Kong residents became British Citizens or British Nationals (overseas) and can register to vote. Those who became citizens of the Peoples Republic of China cannot register.