Electoral registration

You can only vote in elections if your name is on the register of electors.

Electoral Registration forms for the new Register will be delivered to all households in the Borough in August/September each year.

The Electoral Registration form has printed on it the names of the persons currently shown on the Register of Electors.

To ensure that all eligible members of your household are included in the register you need to check that all the details are correct, then simply sign, date and return the form as soon as possible. However, if any of the details are not correct please change the names and then sign, date and return the form. Alternatively, you can confirm or amend the form by telephone or online (see form for instructions). Do not wait until 15 October.

Also include any teenagers who will become 18 before 1 December in the following year.

British citizens, other Commonwealth citizens, citizens of the Irish Republic and citizens of Member States of the European Union who are resident in the United Kingdom on the qualifying date (15 October) are entitled to be included in the new register.

British, Commonwealth and Irish Citizens will be registered automatically as Local, Parliamentary and European Parliamentary Electors.

Citizens of Member States of the European Union will be registered automatically as Local Electors but will need to complete a separate form if they wish to vote in the UK at European Elections. Please use the form on this page.

Citizens of the European Union are NOT eligible to vote at Parliamentary Elections

A new register comes into force on 1 December each year, but, we can also add names throughout the year.

MOVED HOUSE RECENTLY? NEARING YOUR 18TH BIRTHDAY?

NOT ON THE REGISTER?

All you have to do is fill in a Register of Electors Rolling Registration Form. You have to sign your own form: someone else cannot do it for you.

There is no monthly update during September, October or November during the annual canvass period when all households have to register.

When you send us your form we will add you to our list of new applications. Any elector can then object to your name being added to the register. If this happens we will write to you.

If your application is not objected to, we will change your details within two to six weeks of receiving your form and will write to you when your application is allowed.

We will tell the Electoral Registration Officer for your old address that you have moved, so that your name can be removed from that register. People who live at two homes (including students) are allowed to register at both. If you do not want to be removed from your other address please explain why on your form.

There are special rules about names being added to the voters list during an election period. Because of these you may not be able to vote at that election if you are added during this time.

For further information please contact the Elections Office.

Why you should register

• If you are not registered you will not be able to vote at elections.
• It is a legal requirement to register with a maximum fine of £1,000. Many of the major credit firms check your address against the electoral register and you may be refused a loan, mobile phone agreement, mortgage, bank account, etc.
• It is your chance to have your say about how the Council is run. - Your vote counts, use it.

If you have not received a form, or you need assistance in completing the form, please contact the Elections Helpline below.

It is too late to complain on polling day if you discover you are unable to vote. Exercise your right by ensuring your name is included on the new register.