UK Expats. How to Vote When Abroad

UK Expats. How to Vote When Abroad

UK Expat Voting

There are currently estimated to be around 5.5million  British expats living abroad of which around 20,000 British expats registered to vote 2014

However, not all British expats are eligible to vote in the UK. Under UK law if an expat has lived outside of the UK for fifteen or more years, they are ineligible to vote. In fact, 2million  British expats cannot vote in the UK.

The 15 year rule to stay?

While the Conservative Party have suggested they will review this, it is important that expats register to vote before the 15 year deadline.

 Should British expats vote?

In 2015, the target for expat voting has been raised to 100,000. Perhaps this number can make a material difference in some constituencies.

There are still certain things that tie us to the UK.

1. Domicile and Inheritance Tax
2. Accrued State Pensions
3. The British Passport

Perhaps, some of these issues alone should provide reasons to have a say in the way the motherland runs its affairs! 

Expats-How to register to vote

If you are within 15 years of leaving the UK, then get registered. It is really quite simple to arrange and can be done online

This is the link, follow the instructions How to register to vote.

“About

Chris Lean

Chris is a Chartered Financial Planner who writes blogs and articles to simplify and explain some of the financial issues that affect UK expats. Subjects include; hot topics, regulation and the ever-changing world of finance.

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