Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McNally (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 June 2010.

Elections

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether qualifying Commonwealth citizens given visas granting them leave to enter the United Kingdom will on entry continue to be immediately eligible to register to vote in Westminster elections.

Answer: Under the Representation of People Act 1983, British and Irish citizens are entitled to register to vote in Westminster elections. Commonwealth citizens can also register to vote, if they qualify to do so. A qualifying Commonwealth citizen is an individual who has leave to enter or remain in the UK or does not require such leave. This is, however, only one aspect of entitlement to be registered to vote. In order for an electoral registration officer to add a qualifying Commonwealth citizen to the electoral register, it must appear to the electoral registration officer that he or she is resident in that constituency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 728; 719 c279WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Elections
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Commonwealth Foreign nationals General elections Voting rights
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk