Who can vote in UK elections

Who is eligible to vote

You must be:

• aged 18 or over. If you are 17 you can complete a registration form so you can vote when you turn 18.

• registered to vote at the address where you live. If you change your address you need to register as soon as you move.

• a British, Commonwealth, Irish or European Union citizen. However, citizens of European Union member countries are only allowed to vote in local and European elections.

Who can vote in different types of election

UK Parliamentary elections (every four or five years)

• British

• Commonwealth

• Republic of Ireland citizens.

Mayor of London and the London Assembly elections (every four years)

• British

• Commonwealth

• Republic of Ireland

• European Union (excluding overseas electors) citizens.

European Parliamentary elections (every five years)

• British

• Commonwealth

• Republic of Ireland

• European Union citizens.

Mayor of Lewisham and Local Government elections (every four years)

• British

• Commonwealth

• Republic of Ireland

• European Union (excluding overseas electors) citizens.

Referendums

• British

• Commonwealth

• Republic of Ireland

• European Union citizens.

Find out more information from the Electoral Commission.

Countries whose citizens can vote in Britain

* Only former residents of Hong Kong who have a British Dependent Territories, British Nationals (Overseas) or British Overseas passport can register to vote. Please contact us if you think you hold this type of passport and you want to register to vote.

* Although EU member states, citizens of Cyprus and Malta can register to vote in all UK elections.

** Citizens of the UK and the Republic of Ireland can register to vote in all UK elections.

Useful websites