Changes to EU Citizen's Voting Rights

From 7 May 2024 there have been changes to EU Citizen voting rights.

We are currently reviewing the EU Citizens that are already on the Electoral Register in Preston. 

Confirmation

EU citizens from nations where the UK Government has negotiated agreements with EU Members States to allow its citizens living in the UK to vote, in return for the same right for UK citizens living in that country, will still be able to vote. 

Agreements have been made with:

• Spain
• Portugal
• Luxembourg
• Poland
• Denmark

Anyone on the register with these 5 nationalities has had their registration automatically continued.

EU citizens from other EU countries who were living in the UK before the end of the EU Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Period (up to and including 31 December 2020) will also still be able to vote. 

We have reviewed historic copies of the Electoral Register and identified anyone registered before this date.

Any elector who falls into these two categories will receive a letter titled 'Confirmation of your continued registration to vote' which confirms that they meet the new criteria and do not need to do anything further to continue to vote in future elections.

Review

There are a number of EU Citizens who are not from the 5 countries listed above and who we cannot confirm have been on the electoral register since before 31 December 2020. 

We therefore need more information.

From 16 October 2024 until mid November 2024 canvassers will be visiting these households with a form to complete. 

The form asks

"Since 31 December 2020 have you continuously had permission to stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man or not need permission?"

Answer yes if one or more of the following applied to you on or before 31 December 2020 and has continued without a break:

• settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, except if you applied as a joining family member
• indefinite or limited Leave to Enter or Remain in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
• resident in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man but exempt from immigration controls.

Please note - If your answer to the question is 'Yes' and you have been absent from the UK for a period of time that is allowed under the terms of your immigration status, then you should still tick the 'Yes' option.

You will then need to sign and date the form.

How Do I Complete the Form?

• Doorstep - complete with one of our canvassers who calls with the form.
• Online - there is a QR code inside the form or you can search GOV.UK - Reply to your Electoral Registration Office about your voting rights using the security codes on the form.
• Post - use the pre-paid envelope to send the completed form back to us
• Email- electoralservices@preston.gov.uk
• Call - 01772 906908 to speak to our team.

It is important to complete the form.  If you do not complete the form, you will receive one reminder, but after that you will be removed from the Electoral Register.

Information about the changes to voting rights is available on the Electoral Commission website.

If you have any questions you can email us at Electoral Services or call 01772 906908.