UK expats can now vote again in the UK

[trunnie]

In case anyone missed it, the law changed today in the UK, so that those absent from the UK for more than 15 years can now vote in UK elections at the place where they last lived in the UK. The Electoral Commission quotes this in the "news" section of its website, but the automated check on that website has not yet been updated.

[Mike-tf3n0]

So assuming that you registered in January remember that now you have to actually apply for a postal or proxy vote as well. Registering is only the first step and unless you now apply for a postal or proxy vote, online or in writing, nothing will happen and you will not be able to vote,

[WyrleyD]

Last time I tried to vote by post (from France but before we became resident) it was a complete failure. Managed to register for the postal vote but in practice couldn't possibly work because the voting papers are only sent out seven days before polling date (at least for Hertfordshire it was the case) so there is no time to get the papers delivered to France, completed and sent back in time. When I checked with the council election services our votes were not allowed as they had arrived just over eight days after the polls closed!

[Mike-tf3n0]

Yes, there is always that risk but I have to say that when we last voted, in Croydon South, it did actually work as it should. The key thing is to get on with it now then you will have the best chance of voting, if it all goes pear shape well, you tried\1