How to vote from abroad

Unless you're living under a rock (or on a beautiful beach without WiFi or signal, in which case, as you were), you'll be aware that there's a general election coming up in the UK. Don't forget, even if you're on your year abroad, you're still able to vote.

1. What do I have to do?

Register for a postal vote. You apply by filling in a postal vote application form that can be accessed online.

2. How long do I have?

Your local Electoral Registration Office should receive your postal vote application AT LEAST 11 working days before election day. For example, if the election is on Thursday 7th May, you need to apply BEFORE Wednesday 22nd April.

Remember: If you're not already registered to vote, your application must arrive at least 12 days before the election.

3. How does it work?

Your ballot paper will be sent out to you in the post before the election. If your ballot paper has not arrived 4 days before the poll, you'll have to contact the Returning Officer at your local council for a replacement.

You can then fill out your ballot paper, along with your signature and date of birth (which will be checked against that on your postal vote application form), and send it back in the post.

There is a freepost envelope included with your ballot paper, but if you're sending it from overseas then you will have to pay for the postage.

Remember: Your postal vote must arrive by polling day, or it will not be counted.

And that's it! No need to waste your vote because of your year abroad.