25/02/2026
The government has published the draft of its new Representation of the People Bill, and while it promises to "modernise" our elections, it is a profound disappointment for those of us living outside the UK.
Despite the warm words from the government, the Bill fails to address the most critical issues facing overseas voters. The infrastructure for our participation remains stuck in the Victorian era, even as the government's own data shows the current system is broken.
❌ No postal vote improvements
❌ No dedicated overseas representation
❌ No automatic voter registration
The government claims that "Overseas electors are legitimate voters who should be able to exercise their vote without unnecessary barriers," yet this Bill does nothing to remove them. Liberal Democrats Abroad will be campaigning vigorously to amend this Bill as it makes its way through Parliament. We will push for things such as:
- Electronic ballot distribution
- Distributing blank ballot papers to allow an earlier dispatch
- Overseas citizens to be included in Automatic Voter Registration
- Options for voting in embassies and consulates abroad.
We need you to make your voice heard. Please write to your MP today. Tell them:
- You are a constituent living overseas, and include your last address in the UK.
- The current postal voting system disenfranchises you (share your own experience of late or missing ballots if you have one).
- You urge them to support amendments to the Representation of the People Bill that guarantee overseas voters a reliable way to vote, such as electronic ballot distribution or embassy voting.
Together, we can ensure we are no longer treated as an afterthought.
Take action and write to your MP now. See https://www.britsabroad.vote/make-my-vote-count for how and more information.
