How Do I Register to Vote?

You need to be on the electoral register in order to vote. The electoral register is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote.

It's simple - to register to vote or to check if you are already registered just go to http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

You can register to vote if you are:
• 16 years old or over (although you can't vote until 18)
• a British citizen
• an Irish, EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizens.

Annual Registration
Annual registration usually takes place between August and November every year when the local council delivers a registration form to your home. This is called the 'annual canvass'.

You are legally required to return this form, even if there is no change or no one is eligible to vote at your address. The form should list all the people who will be living at your address on 15 October and who are eligible to vote. If your household details haven't changed, in some local authorities you can renew your registration online or by telephone.
A new electoral register is published on 1 December each year, including all the changes made during the annual canvass. Your details won't be updated until this date, so if you move house and an election is called during this period, you may wish to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

How do I register to vote outside of annual registrations?
If you are eligible to vote, you can register at any time by filling in a registration form and sending it to your local electoral registration office, which is usually at your local council office. You can download a form from http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/