Why British migrants should ensure they register to vote

Voting is the most basic of the democratic rights in the free world and yet, for decades, the UK had a rule that prevented millions of Brits from voting if they had lived outside the country for more than 15 years. That all changed this year, when this gagging rule was removed, giving back a right that I have always held dear. I was reminded of this last week, when I received my forms to confirm my mother as my proxy voter.
I have not missed an election since I became eligible to vote when I turned 18 several decades back and, when I discovered I was able to continue that trend this year, I made sure that I did so.
Skeptics like Paul Scriven, a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords, argue that, if we have not lived in the country for many years, we should not have a say in matters they say do not directly impact us. It is worth noting that, as a life peer, Scriven gets to have a say and vote in the second chamber of British politics on government policy despite not having been elected himself. So, it could be argued that he is not representing the views of the British electorate.
Campaigners have fought for two decades, arguing that those of us living abroad are very much impacted by many social and economic issues that are voted on at every election.
We send money back to the UK that is taxable, many own property and we have elderly relatives who might choose to bequeath their estate, while many have children who are sent to school in the UK.
When we return for visits, we pay tax on the items we buy. Those who marry non-British nationals are directly impacted by immigration laws. And ultimately a lot of people living as migrants will eventually return to their country of origin.
In retirement, those who have maintained their contributions to the UK’s National Insurance scheme will receive a state pension set at a level determined by whoever is in power at the time. And any private investments will potentially be impacted by how the country is governed.

Those of us living abroad are very much impacted by many social and economic issues that are voted on at every election.

Peter Harrison

Leaders also set environmental policy, which will impact all of us for generations to come.
It is unlikely there will be a general election any time soon given the massive majority Labour won in July. In Britain, the government remains in power for a term of up to five years, but an election can be called at any point during this time.
While an election is unlikely for the next few years, if there were to be another referendum — like the Brexit vote in 2016 — only those registered to vote would be allowed to take part. In the Brexit vote, 33.5 million people voted out of a possible 46.5 million, meaning the country changed significantly on a 72.2 percent turnout.
Many still argue, and I tend to agree, that people fought and died in two world wars so that we could enjoy the freedoms available in Britain. So, one might argue that voting is not just a right but a responsibility, wherever we live in the world.
People argue that the UK is a country of high taxation, that food and fuel costs are disproportionately high and property ownership is out of reach for many. If you do not register to vote and then go out and vote, then you do not have a voice to sway these issues.
British democracy is not perfect. It is, in my view, in dire need of reform, but the country still carries influence around the world. It is not all positive — quite a lot of that influence is questionable at the very least — but the decision-makers can and should be held to account and the best way to do that is through the ballot box.
Whoever is in power impacts not only the country’s standing in the world, but also our rights as individuals.
International relations are made and broken by the people in power and, if you live abroad, then that can directly impact your life.
Indeed, if you are already registered to vote but fail to re-register, then this could potentially complicate any future applications you might submit. Maintaining your right to vote is easy and ultimately means you still have a voice and influence.

• Peter Harrison is a senior editor at Arab News in the Dubai office. He has covered the Middle East for more than a decade. X: @PhotoPJHarrison