Electoral register

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.

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

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but it is not used for elections. It can be bought by anyone and used for purposes such as confirming name and address details and direct marketing purposes

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

Updating your details on the register

The electoral register is updated on the first working day of each month between January and September. We then publish a fully revised register on 1 December each year.

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.

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.

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 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.