EU Citizens - Changes

New voting eligibility rules for EU citizens

From 7 May 2024 and following the UK’s departure from the European Union, voting rights and registration  for EU citizens have changed.

To be registered to vote, EU citizens living in England must meet new eligibility criteria, based on the country that they are from and when they started living in the UK.

Two groups of EU citizens will retain their rights:

  • Qualifying EU citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements, and who have leave, or do not require it, to remain in the UK, currently: Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain
  • EU citizens who were living in the UK before the end of the EU Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Period (up to and until 31 December 2020)

 

What do I need to do? 

If you have received a letter that confirms that you meet the new eligibility criteria, then there is nothing you need to do.

You will remain eligible and can vote in upcoming elections in your area but not UK Parliamentary Elections.

If you are asked to provide information to confirm your eligibility, please follow the instructions in the letter. This information will only be shared with the Electoral Registration Office. 

You need to either:

  • go to www.gov.uk/eu-voter-reply , and use the security codes printed in your letter
  • complete the paper form and return to us 

 

How will I get contacted?

The initial contact will be sent by letter week commencing Monday 2nd September.

  • Confirmation Letter - a response is not required unless something is incorrect in their letter (e.g we have them listed as Danish but they are now British)

  • Notice of review letter – a response is required to this letter.  They can do this online or return the form.

If we don’t receive a response by Monday 23 September a REMINDER letter will be sent.

If we do not get a respone  to any of our letters, then week commencing 14 October the door knocking stage will commence.  This will be done by one of our canvassers. They will have ID badges on and will explain why they are there.

For non-responding electors, a "confirmed cease  of registration" letter will be posted out.  Individuals who wish to register will need to complete a fresh application 

Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)