UK voting
Sep 6th 2023, 1:42 pm
#1
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,170
UK voting
Another year, another request to vote from abroad. Does anyone else vote in UK elections whilst living in the US?
I am thinking of letting it lapse, as well as my UK passport. For my family I want to clear that I am US domicile (i'm a dual citizen). After my Mum passes, I may renounce British citizenship for the above reasoned domicile consideration.
I am thinking of letting it lapse, as well as my UK passport. For my family I want to clear that I am US domicile (i'm a dual citizen). After my Mum passes, I may renounce British citizenship for the above reasoned domicile consideration.
Sep 6th 2023, 2:44 pm
#2
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Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Eee Bah Gum
Posts: 4,135
Re: UK voting
I stopped voting as soon as we were resident in the USA. I didn't let anything "lapse", just stopped voting, it wasn't worth the effort to figure out how to unregister to vote.
Last edited by durham_lad; Sep 6th 2023 at 3:38 pm.
Sep 6th 2023, 2:49 pm
#3
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,448
Re: UK voting
I voted until I had been out of the UK too long to vote, at least in elections when my ballot arrived in time for me to return it.
Did the government get around to abolishing the time limit? I know it has been discussed for a number of years.
Did the government get around to abolishing the time limit? I know it has been discussed for a number of years.
Sep 6th 2023, 2:51 pm
#4
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Location: Eee Bah Gum
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Re: UK voting
https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad
you can register as an overseas voter if you:
- are a British or eligible Irish citizen
- were registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years (or in some cases, if you were too young to have registered when you left the UK)
Sep 6th 2023, 2:56 pm
#5
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Re: UK voting
I believe time limit was abolished, but still not law (dont quote me on that).
My yearly form to the district council arrived to re-register. I think I will let is lapse this time.
And yes, Pulaski, things rarely arrived on time anyway.
My yearly form to the district council arrived to re-register. I think I will let is lapse this time.
And yes, Pulaski, things rarely arrived on time anyway.
Sep 6th 2023, 6:36 pm
#7
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,816
Re: UK voting
It certainly hadn't been passed as law as recently as March, when I moved back home.
Sep 7th 2023, 2:24 pm
#9
Sad old Crinkly Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Posts: 807
Re: UK voting
For the hell of it I thought I would register. Left in 2000.
Yep, denied as per the 15 year time limit. If it ever changes I'll reapply.
Sep 7th 2023, 9:23 pm
#10
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2019
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 9
Re: UK voting
Yes we still register to vote but we only moved to the US 6 years ago and were already retired and receiving our UK state pensions. As they, and our pensions from our UK jobs, are our only source of income we think it is in our best interests to have an input. We do everything by email and have found it works fine for us.
Last edited by Andrews Mum; Sep 7th 2023 at 9:27 pm.
Sep 8th 2023, 9:06 am
#11
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,194
Re: UK voting
The law has been changed but secondary legislation is required to actually implement the change.
It is expected this will be brought forward in 2023 with newly eligible overseas voters eligible to vote in 2024.
Sep 8th 2023, 6:26 pm
#12
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,427
Sep 9th 2023, 1:10 am
#13
BE Irregular
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 4,849
Re: UK voting
I also emigrated in 2004 and was able to register in my old Ealing district to vote in the Brexit referendum. Not sure if the mail in thing got there on time.
The next election I tried for was beyond 15 years. I believe there was some option to do proxy vote , but not sure and I did not follow up.
The next election I tried for was beyond 15 years. I believe there was some option to do proxy vote , but not sure and I did not follow up.
Jan 7th 2024, 9:58 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Location: NE Ohio since 2009
Posts: 113
Re: UK voting
I think this is the secondary legislation that was required to allow expats a "vote for life":
https://statutoryinstruments.parliam...eline/PuUE0ztK
It looks like it has all been approved, but the legislation was FAR too long and complicated for my pea-brain to check all the details. I did, however notice this:
So my understanding is that from 16th January 2024 the 15 year limit will be abolished (having been here for 14½ years that's pretty timely for me).
Three cheers to the late Harry Shindler OBE!!
https://statutoryinstruments.parliam...eline/PuUE0ztK
It looks like it has all been approved, but the legislation was FAR too long and complicated for my pea-brain to check all the details. I did, however notice this:
PART 1 Introduction
Citation, commencement, extent, transitional provisions and savings
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Representation of the People (Overseas Electors etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (5), these Regulations come into force on 16th January 2024
Citation, commencement, extent, transitional provisions and savings
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Representation of the People (Overseas Electors etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (5), these Regulations come into force on 16th January 2024
Three cheers to the late Harry Shindler OBE!!
Feb 12th 2024, 1:15 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Location: NE Ohio since 2009
Posts: 113
