The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote. There are 2 versions of the electoral register - the full version and the ‘open register’.
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.
Opting out of the ‘open register’
You can opt out of the open register. This is the version of the register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.
To opt out you should contact us. Opting out does not affect your right to vote.
The full version
Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register. The full version of the register is only used:
- by the Returning Officer to run an election and send out poll cards and postal vote packs. Political parties and candidates are also entitled to a copy
- by the police and security services to prevent and detect crime
- by Credit Reference Agencies to check applications for loans or credit
- for jury summons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
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.