Millions of expat Brits may risk losing the vote

News - Living

Friday, 25 September 2009 14:57

Out of the approximately 5.5 million Brits who live abroad, less than 13,000 are registered to vote in the UK. British citizens living abroad are entitled to register as overseas voters if they have been registered to vote in the UK at any time within the past 15 years.

They also have the option of voting by post or arranging for someone (a proxy) to vote for them in a UK election.

Voters may apply for a postal vote when they register. A proxy vote will be quicker because of the time taken for sending and returning a postal vote.
Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission, said: “It is easier than ever before for British citizens abroad to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues back home and many will also want to have their say in elections.

“Anyone that wants to register should go to aboutmyvote.co.uk for more information and to download a registration form. But as an election can be called at short notice, they should do so now.”

A general election could be called at any time between now and June 2010, so voters should register as soon as possible.