Amendments to the electoral register
You can request amendments to the electoral register during the annual canvass or at any other time of the year.
Annual canvass of the electoral register
Every year during the summer we check that the information that appears on the electoral register is accurate and up-to-date. You will receive an annual enquiry form in the post.
The annual enquiry form will allow you to:
- correct any mistakes
- add people in your household to the register (for example, your children may have reached 16)
- apply for a postal vote
- opt-out of the edited register
It is important that you act on this form. If you don’t complete the form, you will be removed from the electoral register and you won’t be able to vote and it will be harder for you to get credit.
If there are no changes you can respond by freephone, text, on-line or by post. Any changes can only be made by returning the form or on-line at www.register-online.co.uk.
Requesting amendments outside of the annual canvass
If your circumstances change after the annual canvass, such as moving home or changing your name, you will need to re-register.
Moving home
If you move home after the annual canvass you will need to re-register. Please remember that every person eligible to vote at the property will need to register individually. Visit
register to vote to find out how to register.
Changing your name
If your name changes, to update the electoral register you will need to complete and sign a
change of name form (PDF).This cannot be completed online. You will also need to provide a relevant document such as a copy of your marriage certificate, deed poll or amended birth certificate to support the form.
Opting in or out of the open register
There are two registers
- The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote and is used for electoral purposes. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime, calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.
-
The open register is an extract of the electoral register and is not used for elections. This list can be bought by any person, company or organisation for marketing purposes. 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.
You must be on the electoral register but can decide to opt out of being listed on the open register. If you wish to change your opt out status, please
contact us.