Voting from overseas

You can register as an overseas voter if you:

• are a British or eligible Irish citizen
• were previously registered to vote in the UK
• can prove your past residence or registration in the UK

As an overseas voter you can only vote in:

• UK parliamentary (general) elections
• referendums (depending on the rules of the referendum)

You cannot vote in:

• local elections
• Mayor of London and London Assembly elections

To register to vote online, you'll need:

• your passport details
• your previous UK address
• proof you used to live at that address
• to declare how long you lived there

Your registration lasts for 3 years. You must renew it to keep voting.

You can:

• apply for a postal vote
• vote by proxy (ask someone you trust in the UK to vote for you)
• vote in person if you're in the UK on election day

Consider voting by proxy, as postal votes may not arrive in time from some countries.

If you choose a postal vote:

• apply as early as possible
• check how long post takes from your country
• make sure your signature and date of birth are up to date
• return your ballot paper so it arrives by 10pm on election day

Your proxy must be:

• registered to vote in the UK
• able to vote in the election
• willing to vote on your behalf
• able to show their own photo ID at the polling station

You must:

• register at least 12 working days before an election
• apply for a postal vote at least 6 working days before
• apply for a proxy vote at least 6 working days before
• renew your overseas voter registration every 3 years

Contact your previous UK local Electoral Registration Office if you:

• need help registering
• want to check if you're eligible
• need to update your details
• have questions about voting from abroad