A British citizen living abroad can apply to be registered as an overseas voter.
As long as you were registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years, you can register to vote in respect of that address from overseas. If you were too young to register when you left the UK, your parent or guardian must have been registered.
As an overseas voter, you are eligible to vote in elections for the UK Parliament and the European Parliament. You cannot vote in UK local elections.
If you live in a country which is a member of the European Union, you can vote in that country’s own local and European Parliamentary elections. But, you cannot vote in European elections in more than one country.
Your application will need to be witnessed by another British citizen living overseas, but not a close relative and will it be valid for one year.
You must renew your overseas elector registration every year or you will lose your right to vote. You will receive a reminder letter from Electoral Services telling you when you need to do this. If you change your address you must inform your Electoral Services office or you will not receive your reminder.
You can choose to vote by post, by proxy or in person at the polling station if you are in the UK on election day.
Please note that at the time of an election there will be deadlines for receipt of applications to register and to vote by post or by proxy.
You can download an application form by clicking on the link in the left hand menu of this page. You will need to print the form, complete the details in full, sign it and then send it to the address below.
For further information please telephone: 023 8083 4135
Southampton City Council
