British expats urged to register to vote in UK elections

Millions of expat Brits risk not being able to vote in the general election. Of the roughly 5.5 million Brits living abroad, less than 13,000 are registered to vote in the UK.

Overseas voters - British citizens living abroad can register as overseas voters if they have been registered to vote in the UK at any time within the past 15 years.

Brits living overseas can either vote by post or arrange for someone (a proxy) to vote for them in a UK election.

Voters can apply for a postal vote when they register. However, the time taken for sending and returning a postal vote means that organising a proxy vote will be quicker.

Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission, said: "It is easier than ever before for British citizens abroad to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues back home and many will also want to have their say in elections.

"Anyone that wants to register should go to aboutmyvote.co.uk for more information and to download a registration form. But as an election can be called at short notice, they should do so now."

A general election could be called at any time between now and June 2010, so voters should register as soon as possible.