Changes to voting rights for EU citizens in local and regional elections

These adjustments mean that not all EU citizens are automatically entitled to register to vote or stand as a candidate in specific elections within England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Changes for EU citizens in some UK elections

Under the new regulations, the following elections are impacted:

• Local elections in England and Northern Ireland
• Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly
• Elections for Police and Crime Commissioner in England and Wales

These changes, however, will not apply to local and devolved elections in Scotland and Wales.

Two groups of EU citizens retain their right to vote and stand for election in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

• EU citizens from nations with reciprocal agreements: Citizens of countries with which the UK has negotiated mutual voting agreements retain their voting rights. These countries currently include: Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Poland, Denmark, and EU citizens residing in the UK prior to Brexit: EU citizens who were residing in the UK before the end of the EU Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Period (up to 1 January 2021) may also continue to vote and stand in elections.

The voting rights of citizens from the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth nations remain unaffected by these changes.

Watford Borough Council will be reaching out to affected individuals through email and letter communications in the coming weeks. Residents with questions about their voting eligibility are encouraged to contact the Elections Team on elections@watford.gov.uk or call 01923 278369.

Donna Nolan, Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Watford Borough Council, said, “It is vital that all our residents have clear and accurate information about these changes. We are committed to supporting everyone in understanding how the new regulations may impact their voting rights and to ensuring a smooth and accessible electoral process for all eligible voters.”