You can register to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote. The deadline to register is 7 May.
All EU citizens resident in the UK who will be 18 years old on polling day can register to vote in the EU elections and vote for the UK’s MEPs.
Irish citizens are also additionally entitled to vote in all UK elections due to arrangements in the Common Travel Area. Both the UK and Irish governments have committed to continuing this agreement in all Brexit scenarios.
Irish citizens who are resident in the UK can only vote for Irish MEPs if they travel to the Republic of Ireland for the day of the election – 24 May (note: one day after the UK’s election). After 18 months of non–residency, Irish citizens abroad cannot take part in any elections in Ireland. This is Irish government policy.
EU citizens can usually vote in their country of origin or host country, but never both.
Irish citizens can also vote in the UK local elections on 2 May, although the registration deadline has now passed.
The next UK general election is scheduled for spring 2022, but could be held sooner. Irish citizens in the UK will be able to vote in this election. To vote in a UK general election you must meet the following criteria:
- 18 years of age or over on polling day
- be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
- be resident at an address in the UK (or a UK citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)
- not be legally excluded from voting