4.3 Who can vote in a UK general election?

To vote in a UK general election you must be registered to vote and also

• be 18 or over, and
• be a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, and
• not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote.

Voters cast their single vote for a constituency MP.

There are restrictions as to who can vote in a UK General election. The following individuals cannot vote (although they can vote at elections to local authorities):

• Members of the House of Lords.
• EU citizens resident in the UK.
• Anyone other than British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens.
• Convicted persons detained in pursuance of their sentences (though remand prisoners, un-convicted prisoners and civil prisoners can vote if they are on the electoral register).
• Anyone found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election.