The Electoral Register lists the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote.
There are 2 versions of the electoral register:
- Full Electoral Register
- Open Register
The Full Electoral Register
Everyone who registers to vote is included in the full version. It is not available to the public, and is only used for specific official purposes:
- elections: used by the Returning Officer to organise elections and send out poll cards and postal vote packs (Political parties and candidates also receive a copy)
- crime prevention: used by the police and security services to help prevent and detect crime
- credit checks: used by Credit Reference Agencies to verify applications for loans or credit
- Jury Service: used to select jurors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
The Open Register
This is a public version of the electoral register. It contains fewer details and can be bought by anyone. It’s used for things like:
- verifying name and address details
- direct marketing
Opting out of the open register
You can opt out of the open register.
To opt out you should contact us.
Opting out does not affect your right to vote
Updating your details on the register
The electoral register is updated monthly between January and September. We then publish a fully revised register on 1 December each year.
Between July and December each year, the Electoral Registration Officer sends out forms to check the accuracy of the electoral register. Each form explains how you can update any incorrect/missing information.
If you have moved house or have new residents to add to your address, you can update the details online at the Register to Vote website or ask us to send you a paper form by contacting us using the details opposite.
Any residents whose name is added to an address will still need to register individually to be able to vote in elections and referendums.
If you need to change your name, you might be asked to provide proof of the name change. You can re-register using your new name on the Register to Vote website, or by using a paper form from us.
What happens if you do not register
You must register to vote if you’re asked to do so and you meet the conditions for registering, for example, if you’re 16 or over and you’re British or an EU or Commonwealth national.
You could be fined if you have been asked to register and don't.
You will not be fined if you have a valid reason for not registering, for example, a long stay in hospital or you have severe learning difficulties.
How to view the electoral register
To check whether you’re already on the register, please contact us.
A printed version of the electoral register can be inspected at Customer Services, located at FirstPoint Howden House, Union Street, Sheffield, S1 2SH.