Running electoral registration - England

How does mental capacity affect the right to register to vote?

How does mental capacity affect the right to register to vote?

A lack of mental capacity is not a legal incapacity to vote.1 Persons who meet the other registration qualifications are eligible for registration regardless of their mental capacity.

Voting rights

While electors with any level or no level of mental capacity may be registered to vote, the decision as to whether and how to vote at an election must be made by the elector themselves and not by any other person on their behalf. Those who care for or who otherwise make decisions on behalf of a person may not make decisions on voting.

For more information on the registration of patients in mental hospitals see our guidance.

Last updated: 15 August 2024