The electoral register

The electoral register (or electoral roll) lists the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote.

To register to vote you will need to go to the national voter registration website on GOV.UK and enter your name, address, previous address (if applicable), National Insurance number and date of birth.

The full electoral register

Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register. The full version of the register is only used for:

• elections
• calling people for jury service
• preventing and detecting crime
• checking applications for loans or credit

The open register

The open register is available for general sale. It can be used for any purpose, including commercial activities such as marketing.

The open (or edited) register only contains the names and addresses of those people who have registered to vote, but have not opted out from having their details on the open register.

If you want to opt out from having your details on the open register, please indicate this on your registration form. Your choice will continue until you change your preference.

Find out more about the difference between the ‘open register’ and the full electoral register.

Removing your details from the open register: opting out

Once registered, your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed.

Removing your details from the register does not affect your right to vote. Including your details in the open register, will not affect your visibility with the credit reference agencies. Find out more about credit reference agencies and the electoral register.

If you want to remove your details from the open register or have your details added back in, please fill in the open register preference form. Please note, you must already be on the electoral register to be able to opt in or out.