From May 2024, some EU citizens will not be able to vote and stand as a candidate in certain elections in England.

EU citizens will continue to be able to vote while they remain on the register, but will not be able to re-register once they are taken off after May 2024.

EU citizens cannot vote or stand as a candidate in UK Parliament elections .

Retaining rights

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
    • Spain

  • You’re a citizen of any other EU country who on or before 31 December 2020 was legally resident in the UK, had permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who did not need permission, and this has continued without a break.

The changes will not affect citizens of the Republic of Ireland or citizens of Commonwealth nations.

  • Other EU citizens who were living in the UK before the end of the EU Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Period (up until 31 December 2020) will also still be able to vote and stand in elections.

Check which elections you can vote in

Are you an EU citizen living in the Uk? you can check what elections you can vote in by visiting the Electoral Commission website. 

If you have gained new citizenship or changed your nationality

If you have gained new citizenship or changed your nationality since you have last registered to vote, you should let us know. 

The changes to your citizenship or nationality may affect your eligibility to vote in some elections and you might need to re-register to vote.

To re-register to vote visit the register to vote webpage. 

This webpage will be regularly updated throughout the year as further information becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions 

If you are told you are still eligible to vote by your local council, if you live in England or Wales, or by the Electoral Office if you live in Northern Ireland

There is nothing you need to do.

You will remain eligible and can vote in upcoming elections in your area (excluding UK Parliament elections).

If you are asked to provide information to confirm your eligibility by your local council, if you live in England or Wales, or by the Electoral Office if you live in Northern Ireland

You will be asked if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your answer to this question will only be shared with your Electoral Registration Office.

If you live in England or Wales, you need to either:

  • go to the gov.uk website (Opens in new window). Details on how to log in will be included in the letter or email from your local council
  • complete a paper form and return it to your local council. This form will be included in the letter or email from your local council

If you confirm you do not meet the eligibility criteria or you do not provide details as requested, you will no longer be eligible to vote in:

If you respond to the request for information and the Electoral Registration Officer tells you that you are no longer eligible to vote in the elections listed above, you have 14 calendar days to request a hearing if you believe this is incorrect. If you do not request a hearing within 14 calendar days, you will not be able to object to the decision.

If you do not respond to the request for information about your eligibility or to any further requests for additional information which may be required, the Electoral Registration Officer will determine that you are no longer eligible. You will have no right of appeal or to a hearing. However, you will not be prevented from re-registering to vote in the future.

Last Updated – December 2024

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