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Electoral Registration


REGISTRATION
 
In order to vote at local, national and European elections or in any referendums, you need to be registered as a voter.  Please be aware it is a criminal offence to give false information.
 
 
How to check if you are registered.
Due to the law relating to the use of electoral data, you are required to call in person to the Civic Centre Reception, where you can inspect the Electoral Register under supervision.

What to do if you find you are not registered.
During the period August to December the Council carries out its annual canvass of all households in the local authority area.  During this time you will receive a form showing the details we currently hold for your address. You need to check the details carefully.  At this point you can amend the details as required, such as remove names, add new ones, request a postal vote or opt out of the Edited Version of the Register. This form then needs to be signed, dated then returned to us in the pre paid envelope provided.  However if you wish to register outside of this time you may request a rolling registration form (ER3) from  Electoral Services Tel No 01279 446042 or via email registration@harlow.gov.uk.
 
If your form has gone astray in the post or has been destroyed, contact Electoral Services Tel No 01279 446042 or by email to registration@harlow.gov.uk, fill in details of your request (remember to include your name and address). The staff there will put a duplicate form in the post for completion.
 
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ABOUT THE EDITED REGISTER
 
The electoral registration officer is required to make up and keep two versions of the electoral register – the full register and the edited register.
 
The full register lists everyone who is entitled to vote and includes their address. Only certain people and organisations can have copies of the full register, and they can only use it for specified purposes. The main use of the full register is for elections and referendums, but it can also be used for other purposes such as the prevention and detection of crime and for checking your identity when you have applied for credit. Details of others who can have copies of the full register and what they can use it for are given in the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No.1871). It is a criminal offence not to comply with the regulations. For example, it is a criminal offence either to pass the full register on to anyone or to use it for any purpose, except as allowed by the current regulations.
 
The edited register is a version of the register that can be bought by anyone who wants a copy, and they can use for any purpose.  You may choose to opt out of the edited register.  Both the annual canvass forms and the rolling registration forms have the facility of 'opting out' of the edited version of the register. That means that the elector's name will only appear in the full register which has the restricted access described above.
 
 
ANNUAL DECLARATIONS OF A LOCAL CONNECTION
Patients in mental hospitals, persons remanded in custody and homeless people are entitled to be registered as electors but only in pursuance of a Declaration of Local Connection. A copy of this form is available by contacting Electoral Services Tel No 01279 446042 or via email registration@harlow.gov.uk. Please remember to give details of your circumstances and an address to which the form can be sent.
 
 
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ABSENT VOTING
 
(a) Voting by post
Any registered voter can apply for a postal vote. When applying please ensure you leave enough time before an election, and if required you can even have your ballot paper posted to you - abroad!  To request a postal vote please contact the Election Office tel: 01279 446042. email registration@harlow.gov.uk.
 
See the  How to fill in a Postal Vote Application Form and FAQ  that are provided for guidance.