There have been changes to the voting and candidacy rights of some EU citizens. This follows the UK’s departure from the European Union and has been introduced as part of the Elections Act.
If you’re an EU citizen living in the UK, whether you can vote depends on the type of election and your citizenship.
These changes will apply to all future elections.
You will only be able to register, vote or stand as a candidate in future 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.
Local councils are currently reviewing the eligibility of all EU citizens who are registered to vote in their area.
As part of this review, they have contacted all EU citizens to either:
- let them know they are still eligible to vote in some UK elections
- tell them they aren’t sure if they are eligible to vote in some UK elections, and ask them to provide information that will be used to confirm whether they are eligible
If you are told you are still eligible to vote by your local council, you do not need to do anything. You will remain eligible and can vote in upcoming elections in your area (excluding UK Parliament elections).
If you are asked to provide information to confirm your eligibility by your local council, you will be asked if you meet the eligibility criteria. Further details can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website along with details about how to appeal if you’ve been told you are no longer eligible to vote.
If you have gained new citizenship or changed your nationality since you last registered to vote, you should let your local council know – email elections@knowsley.gov.uk or ring 0151 443 2222.
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. Further information is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.