The Electoral Register
There are two registers. Why?
Using information received from the public, electoral registration officers keep two registers – the electoral register and the open register.
The electoral register - lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (eg fraud), calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.
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.
When is the register updated?
A revised register is published on 1 December every year.
During the period of August to the end of November no changes or updates will be made to the register due to the annual canvass.
Once we receive your Household Enquiry Form (HEF), we make the appropriate changes for the publication of the register on the 1 December. During the months January to September the register is updated on the first working day of every month.
