Voting if you move or live abroad

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If you're in the armed forces, a crown servant or a British Council employee

There are different ways to register to vote in UK elections if you’re working abroad either:

  • in the armed forces
  • as a crown servant or British Council employee

Serving abroad in the armed forces

Register to vote using the armed forces registration service.

If you’re serving outside the UK, you can register as a ‘service’ voter. This means that you only have to renew your registration every 5 years. 

You’ll get a reminder when it’s time to renew.

Crown servants and British Council employees

Use the registration service for crown servants and British Council employees if you’re based outside the UK working as a:

  • crown servant (for example overseas civil service or diplomatic service)
  • British Council employee
  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You’ll need to be registered to vote to take part in elections and referendums. You’ll need to register again if you change your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote - apply online
    1. Register to vote - apply by post
  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote
  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    If you do not have photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

    1. Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

    Contact your electoral registration office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact your electoral registration office
  5. or Apply for a postal vote

  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the electoral registration office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the electoral registration office
  8. Step 5 Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post
  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else