EU citizens eligibility review

As a result of legislation that was introduced in the Elections Act 2022, EU citizens are no longer automatically entitled to register to vote and stand for election.

Two groups of EU citizens will retain their right to register to vote and stand for election

1. Qualifying EU citizens from countries with reciprocal voting agreements and who have, or do not require leave to remain in the UK (Spain, Portugal, Poland, Luxembourg and Denmark)
2. EU citizens with retained rights, who were resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 (i.e., before the UK left the EU)

These changes do not affect citizens of the Republic of Ireland or citizens of Commonwealth nations (including Malta and Cyprus, who are members of both the Commonwealth and the EU).

The review process

Due to this legislative change, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is required to review all European citizens that are currently registered to vote in Tower Hamlets. 

The ERO has used historical electoral registration records to identify which EU citizens are eligible to remain on the electoral register, as well as those who are no longer eligible, based on their EU citizenship.

All EU citizens registered to vote in Tower hamlets have been sent written correspondence, confirming whether they will remain on the electoral register.

Where we have been unable to verify the eligibility of an existing EU citizen using historical electoral registration records, we have written to them asking if they are eligible to remain on the electoral register in Tower Hamlets or not.

If we get no response, we will send a final review letter in January 2025. Those who do not respond will be removed from the electoral register at the end of January 2025.

What to do when you receive your review letter

You will have received one of the following types of letters:

Confirmation of eligibility letter

If you receive this letter, it confirms your continued eligibility to vote, and you can stand as a candidate in local elections. No further action is required for EU citizens who receive a confirmation of eligibility letter.

Notice of review letter

If we require additional information, to confirm your eligibility, you will receive a notice of review letter. This letter will direct you to a government portal and an online questionnaire. The information you provide will determine your eligibility to remain on the electoral register as a qualifying EU citizen.

Your review letter will include a unique 9-digit code, which you must enter to answer the questions relating to your eligibility.

If you are unable to respond online, you can complete and return the enclosed paper form to the following address:

The Electoral Registration Officer
London Borough of Tower hamlets
Room TH206
Town Hall
160 Whitechapel Road
London
E1 1BJ

If your nationality has changed

If you have obtained British citizenship or otherwise need to update your nationality on the electoral register, please contact the electoral services team on 020 7364 0872 or email vote@towerhamlets.gov.uk

You can find more information on the Electoral Commission website.