Retaining your UK Voting Rights

Taking up a US nursing job doesn’t mean that you have to sever all ties with the UK.. If you have voted in UK elections in the past, you may wish to continue this right even when you move. If you carry out the official requirements, one can continue voting as a US nurse in America and have a say in how the UK governmental structure will develop in the future.

General Election Votes and Local Election Votes

Moving abroad won’t make you lose your right to vote in general elections, however you will lose the chance to vote in local elections. The chance to vote in a general election from wherever you reside in the USA is easy to and only requires a little preparation either before you leave or when you have started your US nurse job.

Registering as an Overseas Voter

To register as an overseas voter is a relatively simple process. Firstly you need to ensure that you’ve already been registered to vote in the UK and then contact your local electoral registration office. Your local council will usually have this and it will be based on your address in the UK. As  a temporary resident or even a permanent resident abroad, you are still entitled to your right to vote in the UK.

How to Ensure Your Vote Arrives in Time

Now that you are a US nurse there are two ways that ensure your vote is counted in the UK. Most commonly one simply registers for a postal vote. The problem with this is that the voting card is usually sent out just one week before the vote takes place. The alternative is to register for a proxy vote to ensure that your vote is counted. This is simply nominating someone to vote for you at one of the local polling stations (usually a family member or friend)

Voting in the UK and Voting in Your New Country

In the USA it is a requirement that you become a citizen before being allowed to vote in elections there. Even when this happens, you’re still able to vote in the UK as you’re generally considered a dual citizen. It is important to maintain your right to vote in the UK and should you decide to return to the UK on a permanent basis, you must remember to re-register again on returning.