Register to vote

Individual Electoral Registration (IER)

Previously, one person in every household was responsible for registering everyone else who lives at that address.  Under individual electoral registration, each person is now required to register to vote individually, rather than by household.

Under Individual Electoral Registration you need to provide 'identifying information', such as your date of birth and national insurance number, when applying to register and your application will need to be verified before you are added to the register. Anyone unable to supply this information can provide an alternative form of evidence of their identity.

How to register

You can register online, or download a registration form, at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you cannot register online or download a form, you can register by phone by calling 01524 582905.

Who can register?

A British, Irish Republic or Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of a European Union country living in the UK or a citizen of the Channel Islands or Isle of Man living in the UK.

You need to register at the address you are living at unless you are overseas, in the armed forces or a crown servant.

You can register to vote if you are 16 or over, but you cannot vote until you are 18.

Opting out of the open register

Although your details have to be included on the full electoral register, you can opt out of the open register.

Anonymous registration 

You may be able to register anonymously if you are concerned about your name and address appearing on the electoral register because you think it could affect your personal security.

We can provide confidential advice should you wish to discuss a potential application.

Further information

For further information on registering to vote see the Electoral Commission's Your Vote Matters website.

Please email us to request a copy of our Privacy Impact Assessment.

Last updated: 26 April 2023