The electoral register and 'open register'

The full register is used for:

• electoral purposes
• detecting crime
• calling people up for jury service
• checking credit applications

The open register is the version that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy, including businesses and charities checking name and address details, direct marketing (junk mail) and online directory firms.

Your details will be included in the open register unless you opt out.

To get on the electoral register you will need to register to vote on the GOV.UK website.

To update your details on the electoral register, you will need to register to vote with your new details (even if you're already registered).

To check if you're on the register already, contact our electoral services team.

If you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register, you can register to vote anonymously.

If you have any trouble filling out the forms on GOV.UK contact the electoral services team.

To view the electoral register, make an appointment with electoral services by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01296 798 141.

If you are not registered to vote, it may take time to appear on the electoral register.

From January to September updates to the electoral register are published each month. But between October and December, monthly updates do not happen because the annual canvass is being carried out. If you apply to register to vote after the September update, your details will not be published until 1 December.

The easiest way to opt out of the open register is by contacting our Electoral Services office.

You can opt out of the open register but cannot opt out on behalf of another person.

Publication of verification number, PDF, 85 KB