Frequently Asked Questions
Electoral Registration
How do I get on the Electoral Register?
You will need to complete a voter registration form, either by
the Annual Canvass or rolling registration.
How do I remove my name from the Electoral
Register?
When you register with your new authority you should give
them your old address so that they can inform us of your
registration and we will then remove your name from our
register. If you are moving abroad or wish to be removed for
another reason please contact the Electoral Services office so we
can advise further.
I have got married, how do I change my name on the
Electoral Register?
Please contact the Electoral Services office who will send you a
change of name form or send a signed letter requesting the
amendment to your details.
I already pay council tax, why is my name not on the
electoral register?
Unfortunately, paying council tax does not mean that you are
automatically put on the register as there may be people that have
to pay council tax but are not entitled to go on the register and
you have to complete a registration form which must be signed in
order to be included in the Electoral Register.
How do I check to see if I am registered?
You can only view the Electoral Register in person at
the Civic Centre reception, Mon-Fri 9am - 4.45pm.
I don't want to vote, do I still have to
register?
Yes, you are required by law to register to vote each year,
however it is your choice whether you vote or not. If you do
not register then you may have difficulty getting credit for things
like a mortgage, bank loan, mobile phone.
I am trying to get credit but they tell me that I am
not on the Electoral Register, when can I get on the
register?
In order to get on the register you must complete a registration
form. If your application is received after the 10th August
and before the 22nd November your name will be added to the
register that is published on the 1st December. After the 1st
December we publish monthly updates to the register but we
must receive your registration form a few weeks before
publication. Please follow this link
to view the current deadline and publication dates.
I live overseas, can I still vote?
Yes, please follow this link to our special category elector
page to find out more - Special Category
Electors
I am in the Armed Forces and am being posted abroad,
how do I register to vote?
You can register as a service vote. Please follow this
link to our special category elector page to find out more -
Special Category Electors
I am a student, where should I register?
Students are entitled to register at both their home address and
university address, but can only vote the once for the same
election.
I do not want people to find me, how can I be removed
from the register?
Unfortunately you are required by law to register however if
your personal safety is at risk you may be able to register
anonymously. Please follow this link to our special category electors page where you will
find more information on the requirements of anonymous
registration.
Who has my details?
Only your name and address will appear on the Full Electoral
Register, as required by law, and this is available for public
inspection under supervision at the Civic Centre. The Full
electoral Register is also given to certain Government bodies such
as the Electoral Commission, Courts Service as well as Councillors
and credit referencee agencies. It must only be used for
electoral purposes, preventing and detecting crime and credit
checking. Your details will also appear on the edited
register which is available for general sale, unless you tick the
'opt-out' box on the registration form.
Can I find a lost friend/relative on the Electoral
Register?
You can only view the current published Electoral
Register in person at the civic Centre reception. The
register is based on address so it would be extremely
difficult to search for one name in 35,000+ properties.
I am researching my family history can I look at
the Electoral Register?
You can only view the published register for the current year,
if you wish to look at past years you will need to visit the
Essex Records office in Chelmsford.
Please follow this link to their website or phone 01245
244644
Can I get a registration form and information in
another languages?
Please
follow this link to the Electoral Commission's About my Vote
website