The British Government has said that almost 106,000 overseas electors registered to vote in the UK's General Election – three times the numbers that were on the register ahead of the previous general election in 2010.

"While this is a real improvement, it is still a fraction of the 5.5 million UK citizens estimated to be living overseas, and potentially eligible to vote at the EU Referendum."

This means millions of UK citizens living overseas could miss out on their chance take part in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union because they don't know they are eligible to register to vote.

Although the date of the referendum is as yet unknown, a reminder is being issued to UK expats to register sooner rather than later so they can be sure they are registered in time.

Expats can now register online to vote in just a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote thousands of expats have already taken advantage of the new system in order to register to vote, the UK Government said.

For those who don't wish to register online, there is the facility to download and post back paper forms..

The actual deadlines for registering to vote and applying for an absent vote will be set once the date of the referendum is known. Those who have registered, will then be able to choose how they wish to vote.

"Voting can be done by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf), or even in person at your polling station."

The UK Government said that to register as an overseas elector you must have been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years. "You will also need to know your National Insurance number and date of birth, and have your passport to hand if you have one. If you don't have a National Insurance number you can still register, but you may have to supply more information to show who you are."

"If you were too young when you left the UK to have been registered, then you can register as an overseas voter if your parents (or guardians) were registered in the UK in the last 15 years."

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