As usual, the UK has broken the record for turnout among the Polish diaspora when it comes to voter registration. In 2020, Poles living in the UK formed the largest group in the world registered to vote in the presidential elections abroad. In the first round, 132,586 people signed up to vote, and an additional 52,213 registered for the second round. Altogether, this amounted to a record-breaking 182,636 voters.

This year, although there are fewer Poles living in the UK than five years ago, the drop is not reflected in the registration numbers. As many as 135,344 people registered for the first round of the 2025 presidential elections.

Among the Polish diaspora in the UK, the most votes went to the Civic Coalition candidate Rafał Trzaskowski – 35.91% (43,089 votes). He was followed by Sławomir Mentzen – 18.84% (22,612 votes), and Grzegorz Braun – 14.45% (17,346 votes). According to the data published by the National Electoral Commission, Karol Nawrocki came fourth with 13.36% (16,043 votes).

An additional 46,029 Poles registered in just a few days ahead of the second round, bringing the total to an impressive 181,373 registered voters. Although the 2020 record (182,636) wasn’t beaten, the difference is minimal.

Worldwide, 509,196 people registered to vote abroad in the first round, and an additional 186,690 for the second round — a record-breaking total of 695,886 potential voters.

The voting procedure in the second round remains the same.

You must go to your designated polling station with a valid Polish ID card or passport. The ballot will include just two candidates — making the choice easier.

Mark your cross next to your chosen candidate and… keep your fingers crossed!

Maria Byczynski

Photo: British Poles, Commission No. 411 in Balham, London