How to Join the Electoral Register

The electoral roll, or electoral register, is updated every month in the United Kingdom.

The electoral register is a list of the names and addresses of everyone registered to vote in the United Kingdom. Voting is usually the right granted to a citizen that makes it possible for him to actively express his opinion for the political direction of his local area or country. General elections take place at least once every five years in the United Kingdom. To vote in elections, a citizen must join the electoral register.

Instructions

1. Verify voter registration requirements. Anyone over the age of 16 can join the electoral register. However, voters must be 18 or over before they are allowed to vote. Meet the requirements to be a citizen of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or qualifying commonwealth. Qualifying commonwealth citizens have permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom or are individuals who do not need this direct permission. A citizen of a European Union country, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or any British Overseas Territory who currently lives in the United Kingdom also is eligible to join the register.

2. Get a voter registration form. Each local electoral registration office delivers a registration form to all households in August or September every year. However, anyone can contact the closest electoral registration office during any other time of the year. Enter a postcode in the "Your local area" box located on Aboutmyvote.co.uk to find contact information for the local electoral registration office. Contact the local registration office and request a registration form. Electoral registration forms also are available online.

3. Complete a voter registration form. This form can be filled out any time and the list of voters on the electoral register is updated every month. Once completed, return the form to the local registration office. Click the "Register to vote" link on Aboutmyvote.co.uk and complete an online registration form, sign it and send it to the local electoral registration office.

Tips & Warnings

• British citizens living overseas for more than 15 years are not eligible to register to vote in U.K. elections.

• British citizens living overseas can vote in Parliamentary and European Parliamentary elections but are not allowed to vote in local elections or in elections for the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales or Greater London Authority.

References

• About My Vote: Registering to Vote
• The Electoral Commission: Voter Registration and the Electoral Roll

Resources

• About My Vote: Overseas Voters
• About My Vote: FAQ