RIYADH: British expatriates in the Kingdom can register online to vote in the European Union (EU) referendum, the British Embassy said here on Tuesday.
Notably, a referendum is scheduled for June 23 to decide whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union. To make sure that British expatriates are ready for the referendum, the Electoral Commission (EC), responsible for UK voter registration, is reminding voters that it takes just a few minutes to register.
“British expats in Saudi Arabia can register online to vote in the UK and to register to vote, UK citizens in Saudi Arabia should visit http://ow.ly/PyLU3002pEc,” the British Embassy said.
Simon Collis, British ambassador in Riyadh said, “We are urging more British nationals who are living abroad to get ready for the referendum and register to vote by May 16.”
“Many UK citizens living in Saudi Arabia are eligible and now it is easier than ever to register online and ensure that they have their say on an important issue which is relevant to all of us,” the envoy added.
For those wanting to vote by post, the deadline of May 16 is approaching fast; if one has no time to register, there is the website option.
To register as an overseas voter, UK nationals must have previously been registered in a UK constituency within the last 15 years, the embassy revealed.
British expats can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf) or even in person at their polling station if they will be in their local authority area on polling day.
It should be easier to vote by post for this referendum as postal votes will be sent out earlier than usual, giving overseas voters further time to receive, complete and return their ballot pack to the UK.
However, anyone who doesn’t think they can return their postal vote papers in time or is applying after May 16 should consider voting by proxy. Those who want to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf can register to vote by Jun 7.
The EC, British embassies, consulates and expat community hubs are working together to encourage voter registration among British nationals living overseas as many overseas UK citizens might not know they are eligible to vote.
A British expatriate can apply to register to vote in five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote and will need to know National Insurance Number (NIN), date of birth and have a passport in hand.
If someone do not have the NIN, they still can register by furnishing more information to prove British identity.
Notably, a referendum is scheduled for June 23 to decide whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union. To make sure that British expatriates are ready for the referendum, the Electoral Commission (EC), responsible for UK voter registration, is reminding voters that it takes just a few minutes to register.
“British expats in Saudi Arabia can register online to vote in the UK and to register to vote, UK citizens in Saudi Arabia should visit http://ow.ly/PyLU3002pEc,” the British Embassy said.
Simon Collis, British ambassador in Riyadh said, “We are urging more British nationals who are living abroad to get ready for the referendum and register to vote by May 16.”
“Many UK citizens living in Saudi Arabia are eligible and now it is easier than ever to register online and ensure that they have their say on an important issue which is relevant to all of us,” the envoy added.
For those wanting to vote by post, the deadline of May 16 is approaching fast; if one has no time to register, there is the website option.
To register as an overseas voter, UK nationals must have previously been registered in a UK constituency within the last 15 years, the embassy revealed.
British expats can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf) or even in person at their polling station if they will be in their local authority area on polling day.
It should be easier to vote by post for this referendum as postal votes will be sent out earlier than usual, giving overseas voters further time to receive, complete and return their ballot pack to the UK.
However, anyone who doesn’t think they can return their postal vote papers in time or is applying after May 16 should consider voting by proxy. Those who want to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf can register to vote by Jun 7.
The EC, British embassies, consulates and expat community hubs are working together to encourage voter registration among British nationals living overseas as many overseas UK citizens might not know they are eligible to vote.
A British expatriate can apply to register to vote in five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote and will need to know National Insurance Number (NIN), date of birth and have a passport in hand.
If someone do not have the NIN, they still can register by furnishing more information to prove British identity.
