Three million British expats could face a potential fine of £20 for failing to vote in UK elections. A Labour peer has called on the government to enforce mandatory voting in a bid to increase voter turnout. The penalty would serve as an “encouragement” for British citizens living abroad to participate in the election process in Britain after they regained their right to vote.
Following the implementation of the Elections Act 2022, millions of Britons living outside of the UK were able to vote in British General Elections, marking a huge increase in potential voters. Previously individuals residing abroad had a 15-year time limit before they lost their right to vote, yet this was officially abolished on January 16, 2024. However, after only a year and half of regaining voting rights, British citizens may be faced with a fee for not participating.
Lord Foulkes, a former Labour MSP and MP, who supported the voting age to be lowered to 16, believes the government should now go one step further.
Arguing a low turnout in the previous general election in 2024, he believes a £20 fine would be advantageous for democracy.
“As an increasing swathe of the population tunes out of politics, politicians increasingly position themselves in alignment with the voters who do vote, and will continue to turn out,” he told the Daily Record.
“So those who feel left out are increasingly left out and alienated, and those who vote gain more and more sway over policy direction.
“As a result our politics is at risk of becoming divided, alienating the poor and favouring the privileged, so it will no longer truly represent the many, catering instead to a diminishing number of politically engaged, privileged elites.”
Three million Brits abroad regained their right to vote following the Conservatives Abroad campaign “Votes for Life”.
Former Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP said at the time: “From today, millions of British nationals across the world can exercise their right to vote in future General Elections and have their say in the way their country should be governed. The Conservatives have once again shown that we are the party for democracy and protecting an individual’s right to vote.”
