MORE British citizens living abroad are now eligible to vote in the upcoming general election after a change in legislation.
Reading Borough Council is among those raising awareness of changes to voting eligibility through a campaign by the Electoral Commission.
It is calling on residents to spread the word and remind family and friends living abroad to check their eligibility.
New legislation has removed the 15-year time limit of eligibility for British citizens who have moved abroad.
Those who have lived abroad for more than 15 years are now eligible to vote in parliamentary elections in the UK.
The government expects that around three million more people will be eligible to vote as a result.
With the next general election due before January 2025, overseas voters will need to register first before making an Absent Vote application.
Absent votes can be cast through a postal vote or by proxy, where a trusted person is appointed to vote on their behalf.
Reading Borough Council is recommending that those overseas vote by proxy where possible due to tight deadlines.
Applicants will need to provide details of the address and time they were last registered as living in the UK, as the council will need to be able to verify an applicant’s identity and past connection to the area.
Michael Graham, Returning Officer at Reading Borough Council, said: “This change means that more British citizens living abroad who previously lived in Reading may now be eligible to register to vote and vote in this area.
“If you know anyone who used to live locally and is now living abroad, please spread the word so they are aware of their rights.
“If they want to have their say at the next election, they need to be registered. It only takes five minutes and can be done online at gov.uk/registertovote.
“It’s also now possible to apply online to vote by post or by proxy.”
Full details are available via: electoralcommission.org.uk
Proxy votes can be applied for via: gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote
Postal votes can be applied for via: gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
