About Electoral Registration

The Two Versions of the Register

The electoral registration officer makes and keeps two versions of the electoral register - the full register and the edited register.

The Full Register lists the name and address of everyone who is registered to vote.  The Council holds a copy. Anyone can look at it, but it is a criminal offence to supply or use copies for purposes other than those set down in law.  More information is available at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/

The main use of the full register is to show who can vote in elections and referendums.  Credit reference agencies can use it, but only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit and for other purposes specified in law.  It can also be used for law enforcement.  The full list of such persons and purposes are given in the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002.

The Edited Register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose.  The edited register can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing. If you want to opt out of having your details appear on the edited register you can do so via the phone, internet or by ticking the edited register box on the form.  You must also ask each person named on the form if they want to opt out of the edited register.