EU Referendum

On 23 June 2016, a referendum will be held to decide whether Britain should remain in the European Union or leave.

What is the EU?

The European Union - often known as the EU - is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries. It began after World War Two to foster economic co-operation, with the idea that countries which trade together are more likely to avoid going to war with each other. It has since grown to become a "single market" allowing goods and people to move around, basically as if the member states were one country. It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its own parliament and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas - including on the environment, transport, consumer rights and even things like mobile phone charges.

Why should you vote?

The referendum will give everyone (who is eligible) the chance to say whether the UK should stay in the EU or leave. Students at this university come from all over the world so it’s a great debate for us to be having. Should things change there will be implications for students and potential students. If you are not sure what you want to vote then join in some of our activities to find out more and come along to our debate, it might help you make up your mind.

Who can vote?

British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, along with UK nationals living abroad who have been on the electoral register in the UK in the past 15 years. Members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible, unlike in a general election. Citizens from EU countries - apart from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus - will not get a vote.

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How do you vote?

Polling Station

You will receive a poll card telling you where your polling station is. You will also be able to check how to find out where your polling station location is in the 'Your local area' section closer to the date of the referendum.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 23 June 2016.

By Post

Once you have completed and signed your application form, send it to your local electoral registration office to arrive by 5pm on 8 June 2016.

Find out more

By Proxy

Voting by proxy means allowing somebody you trust to vote on your behalf. Once you have completed and signed your application form, send it to your local electoral registration office to arrive by 5pm on 15 June 2016.

Find out more

The Big Debate

18:00 // 24 May // SU Main Hall

Join us at the Union’s Annual General Meeting to hear all about the EU referendum debate. We will host a debate that will give a platform to you all to discuss your views about the EU referendum; should the UK stay or leave?

Over the night we will ask all of you how you would vote, so we can find out what Royal Holloway students think ahead of polling day.

There will also be a chance to talk to us all about the referendum, so if you have any question about it or the voting process make sure you come along.

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What are the official campaigns?

Britain Stronger in Europe

The main cross-party group campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU is headed by former Marks and Spencer chairman Lord Rose. It is backed by key figures from the Conservative Party, including prime minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne; most Labour MPs, including party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Alan Johnson; the Lib Dems; and the Green Party.

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Vote Leave

A cross-party campaign that grew out of Business for Britain. It has the backing of senior Conservatives such as Michael Gove and Boris Johnson plus a handful of Labour MPs, including Gisela Stuart and Graham Stringer, and UKIP's Douglas Carswell and Suzanne Evans, and the DUP in Northern Ireland. Former Tory chancellor Lord Lawson and SDP founder Lord Owen are also involved.

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Key Dates

Registration Deadline

7 June

Postal Application Deadline

5pm, 8 June

Proxy Application Deadline

5pm, 15 June

Voting Opens

7am, 23 June 2016

Voting Closes

10pm, 23 June 2016