How to Register on the Electoral Register

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

You are unable to vote in elections in Great Britain unless you have registered on the electoral register (also known as the electoral roll). Great Britain encompasses England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. To register, you must be a citizen of Great Britain or another Commonwealth country. You can also register if you are a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European member state, but you are only entitled to vote in local elections, not Parliamentary elections. You can register from age 16 but cannot vote until you attain age 18. The process can be started online.

Instructions

If You Live in England

1. Navigate to the Directgov website. Enter your local council authority name or ZIP code in the box and click "Go."

2. Click your local authority link. You will be redirected to your local authority website. Most local authorities provide you with a link to download a registration form.

3. Download and print the registration form. If you cannot download a form, call your local authority and request that a form be mailed to you.

4. Complete the registration form and mail to the address provided on the form. Your local authority will register you on the electoral register.

If You Live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland

1. Navigate to the Directgov website. Click the link appropriate for your country of residence at the bottom of the web page.

2. Select your local authority from the list displayed and click the link.

3. Check the registration requirements. You may be able to download a registration form or you may need to call your local authority and request one.

4. Complete the form and mail to the address on the registration form. Registration will be complete and your name registered on the electoral register when your local authority has received and processed your form.

If You Are a Citizen of a Commonwealth Country or European Member State

1. Navigate to the Electoral Commission website. Complete the short form and click "Continue."

2. Enter further address details and click "Continue."

3. Download a pre-printed form. Print the form, sign it and mail it to the address on the form. You can also download a blank form and complete it by hand if you prefer. You will be registered when the local authority receives and processes your form.

References

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

Resources

• Directgov: Apply to register on the electoral role
• The Electoral Commission: Electoral registration form