Are EU nationals allowed to vote in the UK General Election?
Voting eligibility rules for EU nationals in the UK are confusing, not just because they have changed - but also because they vary according to the election
The big day is here and millions of people will head to polling stations today to vote in the 2024 General Election.
However, there may be some confusion for EU citizens resident in the UK, over their eligibility to vote - or even stand for election - in the UK. That's because there have been changes for EU citizens in some UK elections. And the rules also differ depending on the type of election - and which EU country you come from.
Post Brexit, some EU citizens can vote in local elections, mayoral elections, and police commissioner elections, to name but a few. However, many EU citizens are not entitled to vote or stand as a candidate in UK Parliament elections - such as the General Election - but some are.
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The Electoral Commission website states that "EU citizens cannot vote or stand as a candidate in UK Parliament elections." However, it also - in drop-down menus - reveals there are some exceptions to this.
Citizens of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta living in the UK can still register, vote and stand as candidates in all elections held in the UK. However, while agreements allow citizens from Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain to vote in some UK elections, the agreements do not cover UK Parliament elections.
The Electoral Commission website explains: "There have been changes to which elections you can vote in and stand as a candidate in. This follows the UK’s departure from the European Union and has been introduced as part of the Elections Act.
"These changes will apply to the following elections that take place on or after 7 May 2024:
- Local elections, mayoral elections and Greater London Assembly elections in England
- Local and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
"You will only be able to register, vote or stand as a candidate in these elections if:
- you’re a citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain who is resident in the UK, has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission
- 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
"EU citizens cannot vote or stand as a candidate in UK Parliament elections."
The changes do not apply to:
- Scottish Parliament and council elections in Scotland
- Senedd and local council elections in Wales
All EU citizens are still eligible to vote in these elections.
