Know your voting rights – international students 

Introduction 

Voting is a fundamental democratic right. It provides citizens with the power to install or remove politicians to and from office, rewarding performance or rejecting it based on past actions and future promises.  

Compared with many other democracies, the UK has a relatively broad franchise (the group of people eligible to vote), shaped in part by the legacy of the British Empire.  

This guide explains who can vote, how to vote, and what you need to know about the upcoming local elections in May.  

Which international students can vote? 

International students from all member states of the Commonwealth of Nations can vote in UK elections, providing they meet the following conditions: 

  1. You must have the right to remain in the country (for example, a student visa)  
  2. You must be a resident in the UK at a registered address 
  3. You must be at least 18 years old (the current voting age for all elections in England) 

From the next General Election, currently scheduled for 2029, the voting age for English General Elections will drop to 16 (it is already 16 in Scotland and Wales). 

Students from the following countries, with a registered address, may also be eligible vote: 

  1. Citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain  
  2. Citizens of another EU country, if you have had permission to enter or stay - or not needed permission - since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break 

Eligibility rules can be complex, so it’s always best to check your individual status. 

What elections can eligible students vote in? 

Parliamentary or “General Elections” 

In UK General Elections, voters elect a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent their local constituency in the House of Commons. Each constituency elects one MP. 

Unless they are standing as an independent candidate, each candidate will represent one of the UK’s political parties (these differ across the devolved nations). 

You can find your constituency by following this link: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information  

Local government elections 

In local elections, you can vote for local councillors, the sum of which forms your local Council. Your local Council makes some decisions, based on devolved power, in areas such as: 

  • Housing 
  • Transport 
  • Local services 
  • Waste collection 
  • Community planning 

EU citizens who are not eligible to vote in general elections may still be able to vote in local elections, depending on their status. 

How to vote 

  1. Register to vote  

You must be registered to vote in the UK. You can do so (and also check if you are eligible) via this link: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  

  1. Choose how to vote 

Your options are: 

  • In-person at a polling station 
  • By post (postal vote) 
  • By proxy (someone votes on your behalf) 
  1. Bring valid ID 

You need to bring a valid photo ID to vote in England. A list of valid IDs can be found here:  https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id  

Local Elections – 7th  May 

Local elections are scheduled to take place on the 7th May 2026 in many parts of England. These elections are an opportunity to influence decisions that directly affect your local area. 

These elections will decide seats on local councils and, in some areas, directly elected mayors or other local leadership roles 

Local councils control many aspects of daily life—from housing policy to public transport and environmental services. While they may receive less attention than general elections, their impact is often more immediate. 

Key deadlines (typical guidance) 

  • Register to vote: usually around 2–3 weeks before election day 
  • Apply for a postal vote: usually about 11 working days before 
  • Apply for a proxy vote: usually about 6 working days before 
  • Check your local council or the Electoral Commission for exact deadlines in your area. 

Other international students 

If you are an international student from a country outside the Commonwealth and do not meet the eligibility criteria, you unfortunately cannot vote in UK elections. 

But do not despair! You can still get involved in UK politics in other ways, including: 

  • Speaking to your elected student officers about the issues that matter to you 
  • Joining UCL political societies 
  • Volunteering for party campaigns 
  • Attending public hustings or debates 
  • Engaging with issues through advocacy groups 
  • Contacting local politicians about issues you care about. They represent you even if you can’t vote  

Links/resources 

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