The electoral register
A revised register is published on 1st December each year following the annual canvass. The Electoral Registration Officer maintains two registers – the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).
The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as: detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service, checking credit applications.
The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.
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 can opt-out of appearing on the open register by contacting us.
Access the electoral register
There are two versions of the electoral register available to view. The register is organised by ward, then polling district and then alphabetically by street name. Therefore, if you want to view the register for a specific purpose it is a good idea to know the road name and/or ward name before you begin. Please note that it is not possible to search the electoral register by surname.
Use the information below to decide which copy of the register is most relevant to your need.
Open Register
The open register is a shortened version of the register as electors can opt-out of having their details published within it.
A copy of this register is held at our offices and is available to view by appointment only. Please contact Electoral Services on 0300 1234000 option 7 to make an appointment. There are no restrictions on access - it may be looked at without supervision from a council officer. The register is updated monthly.
Information obtained from this register may be used for any legitimate purpose. Please note that only handwritten notes can be made. The use of copying machines, photography and computers is not permitted. This includes entering data into a mobile phone or electronic device.
Full Version
The full version of the register contains the details of every registered elector. Access to this register is restricted by law and the use of the data is limited to certain purposes.
A paper copy of this version is held in by the Electoral Services Team at the Council offices. This may be inspected, under supervision by a council officer, by any person during usual office hours (subject to satisfying the Electoral Registration Officer as to the necessity of seeing the full information rather than using the open version of the register). You must make an appointment to view this register in order to ensure that there is someone available to supervise your viewing. Please contact Electoral Services on 0300 1234000 option 7 to make an appointment.
Handwritten notes are not permitted. The use of copying machines, photography and computers is not permitted. This includes entering data into a mobile phone or electronic device.
There are restrictions on what information obtained from the full register can be used for. You will be required to complete and sign a declaration form prior to viewing.