Electoral register

The way we register to vote has changed 

Why register?

Getting a mortgage is just one reason you need to be on the electoral register. Having the right to vote is another.

• If you are not registered, you will not be able to vote at Elections.
• It is a legal requirement to register, with a maximum fine of £1,000 for failure to do so. Many of the major credit firms check your address against the Electoral Register and you may be refused a loan, mobile phone agreement, mortgage, bank account etc.

It is your chance to have your say. Your vote counts, use it!

Who can register?

You can register to vote if you are:

Resident (usually live) in Wales and aged 14 or over (but you will not be able to vote in local council or Senedd elections until you are 16 or vote in UK Parliamentary or Police and Crime Commissioner elections until you are 18).

You must also be either:

• ​A British, Irish or European Union Citizen, or
• A qualifying Commonwealth citizen or foreign citizen who has leave to enter or remain in the UK, or who does not require such leave.

You can register online here

It will be too late to complain on polling day if you discover you are not able to vote. Exercise your right by ensuring your name is included on the register.

Remember, if you are not on the Electoral Register you will NOT be able to vote at any Election.

For more information on Voting and how to register to vote please visit Elections - Voting

How do I register and what information do I need?

1. Go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
2. Fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details. You’ll also need your National Insurance number, which can be found on your National Insurance card, or in official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits
3. Look out for a confirmation to say you’re registered

Alternatively, you can request a paper application form or register via telephone by contacting Electoral Services on 01443 490100.

The Electoral Register

Registers are managed locally by Electoral Registration Officers. Using information received from the public, registration officers keep two registers – the Electoral Register and the Open Register (also known as the edited register).

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g., fraud), calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.

For a list of FAQ's please view our frequently asked questions page.

The Open Register

The Open Register is an extract of the Electoral Register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.

Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed (this is called opting-out). Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote. You can ask for them to be removed by contacting Electoral Services on 01443 490100 or emailing electoralservices@rctcbc.gov.uk