The electoral register

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. This register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only people who are eligible can vote. It is also used for other limited legally specified activities, such as:

• detecting crime - like fraud
• calling people for jury service
• checking credit applications

We keep two registers:

• the electoral register
• the open register - previously known as the edited register

How to register

Our register to vote page explains how to register. Once registered you can also apply for a postal vote or apply for a proxy vote if you need to.

If you need to check if you are on the register you can either contact us or book an appointment to view the electoral register.

The open register

The open register is an extract of the electoral register but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

To opt out of the open register, contact us.

Find more information about both registers and how they may be used on the Electoral Commission website.

Buying a copy of the open register

You can buy a copy of the open register for commercial or marketing purposes.

To buy a copy, contact us.

Viewing the electoral register

If you wish to inspect the electoral register, you need to contact us to make an appointment. When you view the register, you can make handwritten notes. Copies cannot be made and photographs cannot be taken.

The register is printed in address order per each electoral ward. It is not possible to search the electoral register by name.

Your personal information

We will only use the information you give us for electoral purposes. We will look after personal information securely and we will follow the Data Protection Act 1998. We will not give personal information about you and the other people in your household to anyone else or another organisation unless we have to by law.

More information

For more information, contact us.