Applications to Register to Vote

During the annual household canvass period a registration form is sent to every residential property within the borough.  The canvass registration form is a compulsory registration form and by law everyone must renew their registration, even if your household completed individual forms during the year.

In order to ensure your details remain on the register or to add your details onto the Register of Electors, make sure your details are correct on the annual form. The form is addressed to 'The Occupier' and should list the names of everyone living in your household aged 16 and above, stating each nationality (or dual nationalities if applicable). If your details do not appear on the form you must add them, remembering to also include your nationality.

For a list of qualifying European and Commonwealth countries please click here.

You must clearly indicate on the form the residents that are no longer residing at the household by striking a line through their details.

Even if there are no eligible residents to register, you must still complete, sign and return the form for your property. Existing registration can be renewed by a phone/online service, but this is only available in the annual household registration period. To respond to your household registration form by phone or online you must follow the instructions on the top right hand side of the registration form.

At any other time of the year, each individual must personally sign an application to register as an elector.

Please note that paying Council Tax does not register you to vote, electoral information is a separate record.

Tenants and lodgers permanently living at each address must be included as the register is of all qualifying residents - it is not concerned with who owns each property.

If you fail to respond to the household registration form your details may be removed from the register of electors, which will mean you may not be able to take part in elections and may also have trouble obtaining credit.

If you move house outside of the annual household registration period, you should either contact the Electoral Office to request a new registration form, or download an application form. You can do this by clicking on 'Related Downloads' on the right hand side of this page and following the links concerning how to register as an elector. Our contact details are at the head of the page under 'Contact Us'.

The commencement date of the 2013 Annual Canvass will be confirmed shortly.