We should know later today whether or not there’s going to be a December general election in the UK, but it’s looking highly likely. That makes it even more important to ensure that you’re properly registered to vote, so you can play your part in ousting the Tories and electing a Labour government. Don’t leave it all to the last minute.

We’ve produced this guide to help you do that

You can register as an overseas voter if you are a British citizen and you have been on a UK electoral register at any time within the past 15 years.

If you have no long-term address in the UK, you can still register as an overseas voter with the Electoral Registration Office where you were registered before moving abroad, providing you were on the register no more than 15 years ago.

If you think you are already registered, be sure to check that all your details are correct and up-to-date. Many eligible voters are prevented from voting due to incorrect or out-of-date registration information.

Find the contact details of your Electoral Registration Office (ERO) by entering your last UK postcode.

You can apply to register to vote online

Or download a form to apply by post.

Some local authorities may also take registrations by phone.

You will need your National Insurance number and your passport.

Don’t forget to renew your registration annually.

Click the links below for more information:

Information for Overseas Voters

How to register to vote: A step-by-step guide to having your say in the general election.

Registering to Vote in a nutshell

Special note from the Electoral Commission for those who have been abroad more than 15 years but will be returning to the UK temporarily:

If upon their return to the UK an elector makes a successful registration to vote before moving abroad again, then “the clock will be reset” and they will be allowed to vote abroad for a further 15 years. They can apply to register to vote as soon as they enter the UK.

Caveat:

In order to register, a person must be resident on the relevant date at the address at which they are seeking to be registered. It is for the Electoral Registration Officer at the local council to be satisfied that a person is eligible. For more information, Part 2 of our guidance for Electoral Registration Officers contains guidance on eligibility.