The 15-year limit on voting rights has been abolished. British citizens around the world can register to vote online, no matter how long they have been abroad.
The year 2024 is going to prove to be an important year for the world. This year, presidential or parliamentary elections will be held in many countries including India, America (and the European Union). Meanwhile, good news has come for more than 30 lakh British citizens, including Indians living abroad. These people have got the right to vote in British general elections and referendum after the implementation of the Elections Act 2022.
15 years limit expired
This represents the largest increase in British electoral franchise since the introduction of full women’s suffrage in 1928. In fact, the 15-year limit on voting rights has been abolished. British citizens around the world can register to vote online, no matter how long they have been abroad.
Will remain in the list for three years
This will be linked to UK voters, where they are either registered to vote or live. After registration, they will remain in the voter list for three years. Apart from this, after registration, voters can also apply online for postal or proxy vote.
The legislation is part of the ‘Votes for Life’ campaign, led by Conservatives Abroad, a global network of British Conservative Party members and supporters abroad. This campaign has long been in the Conservative manifesto.
Will be able to choose the leader of their choice
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Department of Housing and Communities, said that from today, millions of British citizens around the world can exercise their right to vote in future general elections. They will be able to choose the leader of their choice and will be able to speak with authority for their work.
Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden said: ‘The Conservatives have once again shown that we are the party of democracy and defending an individual’s right to vote.’
Prevented from exercising democratic rights
Meanwhile, Heather Harper MBE, chair of Conservatives Abroad, said: ‘Millions of people living abroad, working and retired, have all been prevented from exercising their democratic right to vote. This new rule puts Britain at par with democracies like America, France, Italy and New Zealand in recognizing the importance of its citizens around the world.
