Registering to vote

Why should I Register?

You are only entitled to vote if your name is included in the Register of Electors.

The register is used by major credit referencing companies and you may find it difficult to obtain credit if you are not registered to vote.

How do I Register?

In order to register you must be:-

• Resident in the Rotherham MBC area
• 18 years of age or over (but you can apply to register when you are 16 or 17 years of age)
• A British citizen, citizens of the Republic of Ireland, citizens of other European Union countries or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen

You are not automatically registered to vote even if you pay Council Tax or you receive housing benefit. 

There are special registration arrangements available for the following :-

• Members of HM armed forces
• Crown Servants and British Council employee
• British Citizens living overseas
• Patients in mental hospitals
• Remand Prisoners
• No Fixed Address

For more information and to print an application form please visit the Electoral Commission's website About My Vote

When is the Register Updated?

Each year the register of electors is updated once a month between January and September. From September through to December the annual canvass is undertaken where a registration form is sent to every residential property in the Rotherham MBC area. Using the information collected as part of this exercise a new fully revised register of electors is then published by 1st December.

The Two Versions of the Register of Electors

We are required by law to publish a full and edited register of electors.

The full register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. The council holds a copy and 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. It is available for inspection under supervision Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm at the main council building, and it is advisable that you make an appointment by calling 01709 823356.

The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing. 

Last updated: 10/02/2012