Calling All Brits in Beijing: Register to Vote in the EU Referendum by May 27

May 27 is the deadline for UK expats living in Beijing to register if you're looking to vote by proxy (it is likely already too late to vote by post). Getting your registration out of the way now ensures a smooth vote on June 23.

Last year, of the 5.5 million UK citizens living abroad, only 100,000 registered to vote, a shame considering how easy it is. According to a government report, less than 10 percent of UK expats in Beijing had registered by the first three months of this year. All you've got to do is fill out your details on this website.

Here's the fine print:

• UK nationals who have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years can register as an overseas elector, to be able to vote in the UK Parliamentary General Elections, UK-wide referendums, and European Parliamentary Elections.
• It is important to be remember that if you're not registered, you can't vote in the referendum on the UK's membership of the EU when it takes place.
• You'll need to know your National Insurance (NI) number and date of birth, and have your passport to hand. If you don't have an NI number, you can still register, but you may need to have more proof of identity.
• You have to sign an annual declaration once you are registered to renew your registration every year. So if you were registered for the 2015 General Election, you will have to renew your registration or register again.
• You can choose how you wish to vote. You can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf), or even in person at your polling station should you be returning back to the UK. If you choose to vote by post, remember to allow enough time for the documentation to sent to you from the UK and for you to send it back.

More stories by this author here.
Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
Instagram: s.xuagram

Photo: The British Embassy Beijing