May 6th could be E-day in the UK, info for overseas voters

May 6th, E-Day, Is that Election day or Exit day........ it's up to you, don't waste your vote

2010-03-11

It's looking increasingly likely that the UK General Election will be on May 6th and could be quite a battle.

The Prime Minister realizes it's going to be a tough one and speaks about the "choppy waters ahead", although he's determined he has the "courage to get the job done." 

Although one of the best things about living in Spain is that we can escape election fever and the opinion pollsters, always having the option to go to a free concert and enjoy the nearest Tapas trail instead, we have to bear in mind that this election will have an effect on the level of pensions received and our rights, and obviously the standard of living we all enjoy.

There are 2.5 million UK Voters living abroad who still have the right to vote in these elections, so if you want to make sure your voice is heard, here is some useful information that will help you do so.

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." 

www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com

http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/register_to_vote/british_citizens_living_abroad.aspx

 

Our thanks to Keith Donovan for going to the trouble of sending this information through to us, thank you for thoughtfulness Keith.

 

What about voting in Spanish Elections?

If you live here, you are eligible to vote in elections.

Make sure you are properly registered on the Padron at your local Town Hall.

There has been a lot of disinformation flying around about the Padron procedure in the last few months, mainly due to the government clamping down on naughty Town Halls who have been taking Padron registrations from people who only own holiday homes and do not actually live here. The reason they have been less than thorough, is because municipalities receive grants according to the level of their population to help towards the cost of health services, education etc.

Formerly it was necessary to have a padron in order to buy a car, so many homeowners did so without actually living here, and many also registered because their neighbours told them they had to, not understanding what they were doing. We'll put up hands up to this- the estate agent said sign this and pay this and we did so with no idea what we were actually signing.

It was just yet another piece of paper in a very large pile.

Some, such as Alhama refuse to register anyone without full proof that you are actually living here, but others have been a bit lax.

At the moment any non-EU citizens have to renew their Padrons every 3 years, but as EU citizens, this is not necessary, and in many places , mazarron being a prime example, Padrons are being cleansed, and only those with green residency certificates are being left on the Padron registration, so lose their right to vote.

If you don't have a  green certificate of Residencia, which is obtained from the police dept or a Residencia card( now defunct) you cannot register on the Padron.

To be on the safe side, it is worth renewing your Padron even if you don't have to, just to make sure you are registered properly if you want to vote, and if you are here for more than 6 months of the year you are legally a resident, whether you think you are or not!

And don't forget, although EU padrons don't  " expire, " you still need a "fresh" one to complete many legal transactions, so if you are told to bring along a Padron, make sure it's less than 3 months old. Most town halls don't charge to just a print a new one out.

 

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