The Electoral Register is the list of everyone who is registered to vote. You must be on the register to vote in elections and referendums. You are NOT automatically registered, even if you pay Council Tax. A new version of the register is published at least once a year following an annual canvass which takes place each autumn.
The register is updated each month between January and September. If you move house you must complete an electoral registration form and return it to the Electoral Registration Officer in order to update the register.
There are two versions of the register - the FULL version and the EDITED version. Your details will appear on the full version of the register, but you can choose whether or not your details appear on the edited register. The full register is used for elections and referendums, preventing and detecting crime, and checking applications for credit. The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing.
You should note that in the run up to an election, you will only be able to vote at the election if your name is included in the register of electors before the last day for the delivery of nomination papers for the election.
Provided that your name is included in the Register of Electors, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy if you would find this easier than casting your vote at a polling station.
Electoral Registration application forms can be downloaded from the Electoral Commission website, a link is located in the right hand column, or you can request an application form from the Electoral Registration Department on the telephone number below.
If you need advice please telephone the Electoral Registration Department on 01388 824304.