The electoral register

We keep two registers:

• the electoral register, sometimes referred to as the full register
• the open register, sometimes referred to as the edited register

The electoral register

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. This register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only people who are eligible can vote. It is also used for other limited legally specified activities, such as detecting crime (like fraud), calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.

The open register

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 you details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

Opt in or out of the open register

If you are already registered to vote, you can request to opt-in or opt-out of the open register by completing the open register online form.

If you are not registered to vote, you will need to register at www.gov.uk/registertovote. You will be asked your open register preference as part of the application.