How to Register on the Electoral Roll

You have to register on the electoral roll if you want to vote in Great Britain.

To be able to vote at local or parliamentary elections in Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) you have to register on the electoral roll. You must be a British citizen, a citizen of another Commonwealth country, or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European member state. You can register from age 16. Registering on the electoral roll in Great Britain doesn't necessarily give you the right to vote. You have to be 18 or over, British, Irish or a citizen of a Commonwealth country (including Cyprus and Malta) to qualify to vote at all elections (parliamentary and local). Citizens of other European Union member states who are residents in Great Britain can vote in local elections but not Parliamentary elections. It's quick and easy to register on the electoral roll online if you reside in Great Britain.

Instructions

1. Register on the electoral roll online if you reside in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Go to the Directgov website (see Resources).

2. Enter your ZIP code, street name or local authority in the box and click "Go" if you live in England. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can register on the electoral roll by clicking the appropriate link at the bottom of the webpage to display a list of local authorities.

3. Click the link "Apply to register on the electoral roll" displayed in the box. It will also show the name of your local authority. Ensure it is correct. You will be directed to your local authority website once you have clicked the link. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, select your local authority from the list displayed and click the appropriate one.

4. Check the registration requirements listed on the local authority webpage. Many authorities provide a downloadable registration form. Download and print the form. If the form is not downloadable call the number listed on the webpage to get a form mailed to you.

5. Complete the form and mail to the address detailed on the form. Your local authority will register you on the electoral roll, once they receive the completed form.

Tips & Warnings

• An electoral registration form is mailed to every address in Great Britain in the fall of each year. Use this form to register for the first time or, if you are already registered, you can confirm your details are correct, or correct them, by going online to the website listed on the form. It takes less than five minutes to complete the process. If you reside outside Great Britain and qualify to register on the electoral role, go to the Electoral Commission website (see Resources) and follow the instructions.

References

• Electoral Commission: Voter registration

Resources

• Directgov: Apply to register on the electoral role
• Electoral Commission: About My Vote