Previous literature explains the fact that sub-national elections tend to be more inclusive than national elections by reference to the level of the election. This paper argues that the constitutional status of the election is more decisive. This is illustrated by evidence from the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) where resident citizens without ‘belonger’ status are excluded from the vote. Elections in BOTs are less inclusive because they are significant to the future constitutional status of the territory. Finally, the paper considers the implications of our thesis for the ongoing dispute on belongership between the UK and BOTs.