Changes to electoral registration for EU citizens
In May 2024 and following the UK’s departure from the European Union, voting rights for EU citizens were changed.
To be registered to vote, EU citizens living in England must meet new eligibility criteria, based on the country they are from and when they started living in the UK.
Two groups of EU citizens will retain their rights:
- Qualifying EU citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements, and who have leave, or do not require it, to remain in the UK – currently:
- Denmark
- Luxembourg
- Poland
- Portugal
- Spain
The changes will not affect citizens of the Republic of Ireland or citizens of Commonwealth nations.
- Other EU citizens who were living in the UK before the end of the EU Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Period (up until 31 December 2020) will also still be able to vote and stand in elections.
More information can be found on the Electoral Commission website.