How to Register to Vote
Do not wait until an election is called.
It takes time to complete the process.
By then it will likely be too late to take part.
After registering your details online, these are sent through to the local authority for the actual registering. The authority may have questions after checking your details, particularly if you have never registered to vote before in the UK.
Step 2: Choose Postal Vote or Proxy Vote Option
Step 3: Proxy to Register their Consent
The Proxy Voter who you nominate in Step Two will be contacted by the local authority handling your registration in order to register his consent to be the Proxy and to confirm his/her details.
Note the Proxy can choose to vote in person or to vote by Post (the Postal system can be relied upon in the UK to perform its role in time).
Need help getting a Proxy?
Some British citizens who have lived and worked overseas for many years may no longer have friends or relatives in the UK whom they can ask to act as their proxy. Although registering to vote may be straightforward, finding a suitable proxy can be a significant practical barrier. BOVF recognises that this may leave registered overseas voters unable to exercise their democratic right and effectively disenfranchised.
If you are registered to vote but cannot find someone eligible and willing to act as your proxy, you may wish to contact your preferred political party directly to ask what lawful guidance or local assistance may be available. BOVF does not arrange proxies or recommend any political party. Simply click on a party logo below to visit its website and contact the party directly.
