Can long-term British expats now vote in UK general elections?
If you’ve been around as a British expat in Dubai for a minute now, you might know that long-term expats do not have voting rights for the UK general elections.
What you might not know is that after fifteen years of being expats, expats lost their rights, and now you don’t have to! Thanks to the Election Act 2022, in 2024, British expats in Dubai can once again participate in the UK's general elections.
But how does it work?
British citizens abroad can register in the last constituency they were signed up in before moving to Dubai. Once registered, they not only gain back the right to vote but also enjoy additional perks, such as contributing to political parties and campaigners, giving them a more active role in the future escape of their hometown.
And what about the younger generation? How can you sign up?
Children who left the UK before reaching voting age can now use their parent or guardian's address to include themselves in the electoral register. And once 18, they can then register themselves as official voters too!
Jane Golding, who is the co-chair of the campaign group ‘British in Europe’, shared the significance of this change, "Voting is a basic citizenship right regardless of where someone lives." The shift in regulations is considered a historic moment for the UK franchise, a result of years of campaigning by various groups, including the efforts of long-term campaigner Harry Shindler.
According to government estimates, the number of British expats eligible to register for voting after the rule change is estimated to be between 3.2 million and 3.3 million, a significant increase from the previous 1 million.
If you're eager to exercise your newly restored voting rights, the process is simple. Head over to the official voting website and register to make your voice heard in the upcoming general election, widely expected to take place later this year.
Hope this helps!
And if you are a British expat in Dubai or are about to become one, you might be searching for a new home - so, check out our top live listings!