Electoral register

The electoral register is a list of everyone in the district who is registered to vote. You can only vote if your name is on the register. It is also known as the electoral roll and the register of electors.

There are 2 versions of the register

1. the full version
2. the open register

You must register to vote to appear on the electoral register but you don’t have to vote even after you have registered.

Every year, by law, we update the electoral register by sending a household enquiry form to every property. It is also updated monthly between January and September, this is known as rolling registration.

When you register to vote, you choose if you want your details included in the open register. You can change your preference at any time by contacting us.

Electoral register full version

Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register.

It is only used for

• Elections
• Preventing and detecting crime
• Checking applications for loans or credit
• Jury summoning

When you register to vote, you are automatically included on the Electoral Register full version and you cannot be removed.

We have to supply copies of the full electoral register to credit reference agencies.

Credit reference agencies use the electoral register to help calculate your credit score and decide if you should get credit.

The open register

The open register is available to anyone who wants to buy a copy. You can opt out of the open register.
To opt out, contact our electoral services team.

Opting out does not affect your right to vote.

Viewing the electoral register

You can view a section of the register if you know the address of the person you are looking for. You will need to contact us to arrange a viewing.