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Registering to Vote in UK Election

You need to be registered on the electoral register to vote in elections and referendums. This guide explains how to apply to register to vote in the United Kingdom.

It includes the process for people posted abroad (e.g. Crown servants) and for those without a permanent home address in the UK (e.g. members of the armed forces).

You only need to complete the registration service one time. So, there is no need to register for voting on every election or referendum.

The online voting registration service also allows you to:

It should only take about five minutes to complete. People with learning difficulties can use the ‘easy read guide‘ when registering to vote.

Changing your name, address, or nationality means you would need to register again. The register to vote service (cofrestru i bleidleisio) is also available in Welsh language (Cymraeg).

Note: We expect the next general election to take place on Thursday the 2nd of May 2024 (according to terms in the Fixed-term Parliaments Act).

Anyone in the UK illegally cannot register to vote. Some of the information you may need to provide includes (if applicable):

You can also register to vote by post using paper forms issued by the Cabinet Office. Contact the local Electoral Registration Office to get further help or ‘EONI’ for the form for registering by post in Northern Ireland.

Note: You can apply to register to vote through GOV.UK website. But, if you have concerns about your name and address appearing on the electoral register, you may be able to register to vote anonymously through a service run by the Electoral Commission.


Registration for Public Servants Posted Overseas

Crown Servants and British Council Employees

The service is for people who are likely to be posted abroad to get on the electoral register. You can also update your details as:

  • A Crown servant (e.g. diplomatic or overseas civil service).
  • A British Council employee.
  • The spouse or civil partner of a Crown servant or British Council employee.

In most cases, to register to vote as Crown servants or British council employees you need to have your National Insurance number and your payroll or staff ID number (found on a payslip).

You can also register by post using the paper forms (details above). You should contact EONI when registering by post in Northern Ireland.

Children of Public Servants

You can register to vote once you turn sixteen (16) years old if you are from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

You would need to register as an overseas voter if you are from England or Wales. But, individuals from Northern Ireland would need to register by postal methods.

You also need to register by post using the paper forms (sent to your local Electoral Registration Office) if you are from Scotland, providing you (both):

  • Are fourteen (14) or fifteen (15) years old.
  • Live with a parent or guardian overseas.

Members of the Armed Forces

The service is for people who do not have a permanent home address in the United Kingdom to get on the electoral register. You can also update your details as:

In most cases, to register to vote as a member of the armed forces you need to have your service number and your National Insurance number.

You could choose to apply as a non-service voter, providing you have a permanent home address in the United Kingdom. You would be registered as part of the electorate at that particular address.

You can also register by post using the paper forms (details above). You should contact EONI when registering by post in Northern Ireland.

Children of Members of the Armed Forces

You can register to vote once you turn sixteen (16) years old if you are from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Individuals from Northern Ireland would need to register by postal methods.

You also need to register by post using the paper forms (sent to your local Electoral Registration Office) if you are from Scotland, providing you (both):

  • Are fourteen (14) or fifteen (15) years old.
  • Live with a parent or guardian overseas.


Related Help Guides

Note: The short video contains information about getting on the electoral register so you can cast your vote in elections and referendums.


Register to Vote in the United Kingdom