Can Immigrants Vote in UK, or do you have to be a UK citizen?

Question

I was wondering when and if immigrants can get the vote in UK.

If someone has come over here and is claiming asylum, for example, can they vote?

Or does someone have to be declared a British citizen before they get the UK vote?

Answer 1

I don't see the justification for any NON-British Citizen to be given a vote in British affairs. As far as the EU is concerned  each member country elect Members to represent their interests in the European Parliament ,and it is for them to Vote on European affairs with their own country in mind. I would go even further to say that any British MP has to hold a British Passport - not a Dual Passport relating to his country of origin. Similarly The House of Lords should follow the same rules for participating in British affairs. Imagine the Fact that MUGABE  is a member of the House of LORDS ?

Ridiculous --don't you agree?

Answer 2

if you come here from an EU member state, then you are entitled to vote even if you cant speak! or even understand!! English.....insanity!!.....well yes. but this is the EU and the labour party. you'l have to get used to it. (plenty more to come.)

Answer 3

As has been pointed out all EU citizens can vote, if they are on the electoral roll. Why do you think that Labour is importing so many Eastern Europeans and has yet to have a General Election? Because in 2 years time the Immigrant vote will put them back into power as the Labour spin will tell all the unwanted Immigrants that a change of government will have them all sent home.

Answer 4

No they can't vote unless they are British citizens.

Answer 5

Yes they can - and before you start hoo haing over it, why don't you consider that only 25% of people who have the right to vote actually use it!

Before you start moaning about who should/shouldn't vote get off your @ss and use your own vote first!

Being as the people who are registered to vote are legal, and pay their National Insurance and taxes - why shouldn't they vote? the people who shouldn't be able to vote are the dole dossers who will always vote for the party promising the most benefits.

Answer 6

Irish citizens resident in the UK (can't speak for Scotland) and registered to vote can also vote in National Elections.  British citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland can register to vote & vote in all elections including national elections but not referenda - for more details read the Ireland Act 1949 (the UK & the Republic have separate acts with the same name, they more or less mirror one another), they're both dull & full of legalese.  

Follow this link & scroll down a bit to your right to vote:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentci...

An asylum seeker/refugee granted Indefinite Leave to Remain will eventually qualify for British citizenship because if they follow the rules, remain in the country they will eventually fulfil the residency requirement necessary to apply citizenship.

Answer 7

you have to be on the electoral role, and i guess you have to be a british citizen to do this.

Answer 8

Why not! We let them have and do anything else that they want to do, so why not let anyone who comes here for a visit have a vote as well.

Answer 9

You can vote if you are a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.

EU citizens are entitled to vote in LOCAL and EUROPEAN elections only.

Answer 10

Common wealth & EU citizens can in local elections but only British subjects in a general election.

Answer 11

No they can't.

Answer 12

members of the commonwealth can vote, so Zimbabweans, Zambians, and many other Africans can vote. i think its right that they vote, if they are paying taxes then its only just that their interests be served as well. i think hard working immigrants deserve to vote more than lazy people who live on council estate and depend on the government to feed them whilst they breeed like chickens. a hard working immigrant does better for england than some of these people

Answer 13

everybody who is legal resident in UK can vote in local councel elections.

you need not to be citizen of UK for that.

Answer 14

Anyone with an EU passport can vote in British local elections.. yep, you heard me right.. shocking isn't it?

If you are given leave to remain in the UK from anywhere in the world, you have the right to vote also.

It's amazing how many people don't know that any EU citizen can vote in British local elections.. When the council send you forms to put you on the register, have a close look at it and you will see exactly who is entitled to vote.. You don't even need to be Resident, just hold an EU Passport.

Answer 15

yes everyone who is legally resident here can vote.