The recent rule change in the UK Election Act 2022 has paved the way for approximately two million more British citizens living overseas to register for a vote in general elections. This significant development revokes the previous ruling that stripped voting rights from individuals who had left the UK more than 15 years ago. Under the new legislation, affected British citizens now have the opportunity to register in the last constituency they were signed up in before departing the UK.
Alongside the restoration of voting rights, the rule change also permits expatriates to make financial contributions to political parties and campaigners once they are on the electoral register. Furthermore, children who left the UK before reaching voting age can also participate by registering using the address of their parent or guardian, ensuring their voices are heard.
This transformation comes after years of advocacy by renowned World War Two veteran, Harry Shindler. Despite leaving the UK to reside in Italy roughly 40 years ago, Shindler fervently campaigned for the restoration of voting rights for British citizens abroad. Tragically, he passed away in 2023 at the age of 101, only a year before witnessing this landmark rule come into effect. His commitment and dedication to the cause have left a lasting impact on those fighting for voting rights abroad.
Commenting on this historic change, Jane Golding, co-chair of the campaign group British in Europe, emphasized that voting is an essential citizenship right, irrespective of an individual’s place of residence. Golding described the rule change as a significant milestone for the UK franchise, and acknowledged the tireless efforts of campaigners such as Harry Shindler, who won the battle for voting rights yet was unable to exercise his hard-fought privilege.
Prior to 2015, the number of overseas voters remained limited, with figures never surpassing 35,000. However, a registration campaign leading up to the 2015 general election, as well as increased interest preceding the 2016 Brexit referendum, played pivotal roles in boosting these numbers. By the time of the last general election in 2019, there were more than 200,000 registered overseas voters, out of an estimated 1.2 million eligible citizens at that time. With the latest rule change, the government estimates that this figure will surge from approximately 1 million to a staggering 3.2 million to 3.3 million eligible individuals.
The rule change has not been without controversy, as the Labour party expressed objections during the parliamentary debate of the Election Act in 2022. Shadow Minister Alex Norris argued that the alteration would make it easier for wealthy donors, who have long been absent from the UK, to contribute to political campaigns. While this concern raises valid points about the potential influence of non-resident donors, proponents of the rule change insist that the fundamental right to vote should not be denied solely based on an individual’s residence status.
Overall, the rule change allowing British citizens living abroad for 15 years or more to vote in general elections marks a significant step towards enhancing democratic participation and inclusivity. It not only restores the rights of those disenfranchised after residing overseas for an extended period but also places an emphasis on the importance of citizenship regardless of geographical location.
As this new legislation comes into effect, it will be imperative to ensure that accurate information and resources are readily available to eligible overseas voters. Clear guidelines should be established to assist them in navigating the registration process and exercising their newly reinstated rights. Additionally, efforts must be made to address concerns regarding the potential influence of wealthy non-resident donors, thus safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
This rule change sets a precedent for recognizing and valuing the engagement of British citizens residing abroad, whose perspectives and experiences contribute to the multicultural fabric of the nation. Moving forward, it is crucial to foster an environment that encourages participation and recognizes the importance of every individual voice, regardless of their physical location.
