Overseas Voters campaign launched by the Electoral Commission
A report from the Electoral Commission, an independent body set up to regulate and set standards for elections, has found that less than 13,000 of the 5.5 million British expats living abroad have registered to vote for the next general election. Due to the fact that an election can be called at short notice, expats should register as soon as possible to avoid losing their right to vote. Expats can arrange for a proxy to vote for them or can vote by post.
In response to this report, the Electoral Commission has launched a campaign to encourage British expats living overseas to vote. The Overseas Voters campaign involves online advertising, PR, and the distribution of posters and leaflets in UK consulates and embassies.
Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission, said: ‘British citizens living abroad come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but we know that most maintain strong links with the UK. It is easier than ever before for British citizens abroad to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues back home and many will also want to have their say in elections’.
More information can be found on the website: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/overseas.
