Poles living in the UK will almost certainly be aware that campaigning has begun back home for next month’s general election. While some may cast a vote in it as ex-pats, not all will be so aware of their voting rights while living here in the UK.
While reciprocal rights existed between citizens of various EU member states to vote in local elections, this did not automatically continue after Brexit. However, a treaty was agreed in 2020 to enable citizens of both countries to vote and stand for election while residing in the other jurisdiction.
Having the right to vote in the UK is one thing, but the requirements to be able to cast a ballot have been tightened up, with those turning up at polling stations having to provide acceptable documentation. ID has been required for voters in Northern Ireland for many years, but was introduced in England ahead of local elections in May this year.
This is one of those issues where a Polish interpreter can help clarify what people need to do. This can be a very important service because apart from voting rights, such help can also ensure people are informed of the documentation they need when making important applications for other things, or need to bring proof of ID, age, or place of birth.
Around 14,000 voters were turned away from polling stations in May for lack of the right ID, and new research by the Local Government Information Unit has warned of “serious disruption” when it is used in the next general election.
The report also noted that ethnic minority groups and those without English as a first language were among those most impacted this year. This implies that many Polish people with limited English were virtually disenfranchised and would benefit from language services to advise them on how to comply with the new electoral law.
The next local elections, in 30 non-London metropolitan boroughs and 58 district councils, take place next May, so there is time to seek this help to establish what to do.