How to register as a Service Voter

In order to vote in UK Elections, you must be registered. The MOD and the Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, encourage all Service personnel to register to vote.

Individuals may choose to register to vote in one of three ways:

• As a Service Voter: This option is open to all personnel (including spouses or civil partners) but particularly suitable for personnel posted overseas or likely to be posted abroad in the near future. Following the introduction of The Service Voters' Registration Period Order 2010, Service Registration now lasts for five years. Those who register as Ordinary Voters or Overseas Voters will still have to renew their registration every year. 

• As an Ordinary Voter: Personnel based in the UK can register in the same way as ordinary electors by filling in and returning the annual canvass registration form. Ordinary voters need to re-register annually.

• As an Overseas Voter, although registering as a Service Voter is the recommended option.

Ships, units and stations should give Service personnel and their families' assistance to register as voters, through Unit Registration Officers.