Election information

The electoral register is a list of everyone who is registered to vote.  You need to be on the register before you can vote in an election or referendum.  You are not automatically registered even if you pay council tax as the electoral register is not linked to council tax.

How can I register to vote?

There are two ways to register to vote by annual canvass or by rolling registration;

Annual canvass

Each year between August and September we send a form to every household on our records asking for the details to be checked, and updated where necessary.  If the details have not changed you must still re-register by either calling the freephone telephone number shown on the form, by using the internet registration or by signing the form and returning it to us by post.  This will ensure that you remain registered.

During 2012, the annual canvass is to be brought forward by approximately 6 weeks.  This is to allow time for the register to be updated for the Police Commissioner elections taking place in November.

Rolling registration

You can apply to be added to the register between December and August by completing a rolling registration form from the link on the right.  Once completed, send the form to us and we will process your application promptly.

There is a statutory timetable for adding names to the register by.  We will confirm that your application has been accepted once the necessary deadline has passed.

Following your initial registration you must ensure that you complete and return the annual canvass form which will be sent to your property in August to remain registered.

Who can look at the electoral register?

There are two versions of the register - the full version and the edited version.  Your details must always appear on the full version, but you can choose whether or not your details appear on the edited register.

Full register

The full register is used for elections, preventing and detecting crime, and checking applications for credit.  Your details will always appear on the full register.

Edited register

The edited register is for general sale and can be used for commercial activities, such as marketing.  You can choose whether your details appear on the edited register.  Anyone can look at the electoral register by visiting the Town Hall.