[Channel Islands] Expats could be eligible to vote in the UK

In the future, expats in the Channel Islands who previously lived in the UK could potentially be eligible to vote in UK general elections, BBC News reports.

Under new legislation, two million more British citizens living overseas will be able to register for a vote.

Prior to the law’s introduction, individuals who left the UK more than 15 years ago lost their right to vote.

That rule has reportedly been abolished under the Election Act 2022.

Once they are on the electoral register, residents from Guernsey and Jersey would also be able to donate to political parties and campaigners.

Which constituency expats are eligible to vote in, will be determined by whereabouts in the UK they used to live .

Robert McDowall - a member of the Channel Island Conservatives Abroad - told BBC News, "It can be significant because when there was an impact analysis done of this legislation, it was estimated that 10% of expats would register to vote.

"There was some hypothetical analysis after the last general election and if these votes had been in place then, it could've made the difference of 14 or 15 seats believe it or not."

States of Jersey told the BBC it was unable to comment on this matter.

UK government estimates reportedly found that the number of expats worldwide able to register after the rule change will increase from around 1m to between 3.2m and 3.3m.

Source: BBC News

(Quote via original reporting)

In the future, expats in the Channel Islands who previously lived in the UK could potentially be eligible to vote in UK general elections, BBC News reports.

Under new legislation, two million more British citizens living overseas will be able to register for a vote.

Prior to the law’s introduction, individuals who left the UK more than 15 years ago lost their right to vote.

That rule has reportedly been abolished under the Election Act 2022.

Once they are on the electoral register, residents from Guernsey and Jersey would also be able to donate to political parties and campaigners.

Which constituency expats are eligible to vote in, will be determined by whereabouts in the UK they used to live .

Robert McDowall - a member of the Channel Island Conservatives Abroad - told BBC News, "It can be significant because when there was an impact analysis done of this legislation, it was estimated that 10% of expats would register to vote.

"There was some hypothetical analysis after the last general election and if these votes had been in place then, it could've made the difference of 14 or 15 seats believe it or not."

States of Jersey told the BBC it was unable to comment on this matter.

UK government estimates reportedly found that the number of expats worldwide able to register after the rule change will increase from around 1m to between 3.2m and 3.3m.

Source: BBC News

(Quote via original reporting)