There are different types of elections in the UK, but remember, you can only vote in elections if your name is on the electoral register.
Local Government elections
A person can vote in local government elections if they are:
- a British citizen living in the UK
- a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or European Union citizen
- a citizen of the Irish Republic living in the UK
- registered to vote as a Crown Servant
- registered to vote as a service voter
A person cannot vote in local government elections if they are:
- A British citizen living abroad and are registered as an overseas elector
UK Parliamentary general elections
A person can vote in UK parliamentary general election if they are:
- be 18 years of age or over on polling day
- be a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland
- not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote
At a general election, the following cannot vote:
- anyone under 18 years old
- members of the House of Lords, who can vote at elections to local authorities, devolved legislatures and the European Parliament
- EU citizens resident in the UK
- citizens of any country apart from the UK, Irish Republic, and Commonwealth countries
- convicted persons detained in pursuance of their sentences (though remand, unconvicted and civil prisoners can vote)
- anyone found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election
Last updated: Mon 30th July, 2018 @ 15:25