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.

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

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.

Review Process

Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are required to conduct a review of all European Citizens that are registered to vote. 

If the ERO is unable to confirm that an EU voter has resided in the UK before 31 December 2020, through checking historical electoral register records, a letter or email will be sent to that voter to confirm whether they remain eligible to be registered under the new criteria.

If you have received a letter informing you that you are still eligible to vote, you do not need to do anything further. You remain eligible and can vote in upcoming elections (excluding UK Parliamentary elections).

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.

Last Updated – July 2024