Voting and Elections

• In Brief
• in detail
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FAQs

• How do I register to be an elector?
• Will I receive a confirmation that I am on the Electoral Register?
• Will my registration take effect immediately?
• How do I know if I am already on the register?
• What do I do if I am not on the register?
• Why do I still keep getting forms every year when I have registered already?
• I have received a voter registration form and it has details of the previous occupiers at this address, what should I do?
• I am moving to another property do I have to notify you?
• If I wish to view the Registers where do I go?
• Can I see copies of previous and historic registers?
• If I needed to search for a missing relative or person will the Electoral Register have this information?
• I live in rented accommodation; does my landlord deal with the registration for myself and other tenants?
• I pay council tax, so why am I not on the Register?
• A member of the family that lives in our property is a member of the armed forces. Do I need to include their name on the voter registration form?
• I am now married and the voter registration form still has my maiden name. How do I notify you of the change?
• Am I eligible to vote in local government or European Parliamentary elections?
• Am I eligible to vote in a parliamentary election?
• What if I am unable to get to the Polling Station on Election Day?

How do I register to be an elector?

Annually we update the register by sending each household a canvass registration form in late August. You must complete the details accurately for everyone in your household, one adult must sign the form, which will enable you to appear on the register published the following 1st December. If you move address or change your details during the following year, you must notify us and complete an individual entry on a Rolling Registration Form which will allow us add your name and details under the monthly update programme. Remember it is a legal requirement for eligible people to register to vote. If you wish to apply for a registration form you will need to contact us so that we can post the form out to you.

Will I receive a confirmation that I am on the Electoral Register?

Yes, once we receive and process your voter registration form, via the monthly update arrangements, we will send out a confirmation letter to your address. The letter will give your name, address, voter number and the date from which you're eligible to vote.

Will my registration take effect immediately?

No, the effective date of registration is the 1st of the month following receipt of your form, providing you meet the application closing date which is 14 working days earlier. Please note that there are no monthly updates during the annual canvass period September, October or November.

How do I know if I am already on the register?

You can view the Full Register at the Electoral Registration Office or can contact us for a verbal confirmation.

What do I do if I am not on the register?

You will need to contact us in order to receive the Electoral Registration form that needs to be completed and returned to us. See the 'Get in touch' page for our contact details.

Why do I still keep getting forms every year when I have registered already?

We have an annual audit of all electors each year by sending out canvass registration forms during late August. This is a legal requirement to ensure that our voting information is accurate and up to date.

I have received a voter registration form and it has details of the previous occupiers at this address, what should I do?

Their names have to be crossed through in pen and you will need to insert your name(s) underneath theirs before sending the form back to us.

I am moving to another property do I have to notify you?

Yes, if you move house at anytime between November and September, you need to re-apply to be entered on the register on your new address by filling in a Rolling Registration Form. You can do this by contacting the electoral services office in the borough you have moved to.

If I wish to view the Registers where do I go?

The Full Register is available for inspection under supervision in the Electoral Services office. The Edited version can be viewed in either Stratford Library or East Ham Library. Neither register is available on the internet, they can only be viewed in person.

Can I see copies of previous and historic registers?

Yes they are available to view at Stratford or East Ham Library in the reference section.

If I needed to search for a missing relative or person will the Electoral Register have this information?

Unfortunately the Register is published in polling district order only. The roads are shown in alphabetical order and in each road the names of eligible electors are shown against the house number. Titles, such as Mr., Ms. are not listed and it is not possible to search by name. Dates of birth appear only where the elector will reach 18 years during the register year. The alternative way of finding any person would be to contact the Salvation Army (for immediate family only) and Traceline. Their contact details are: Family Tracing Service, Salvation Army: 020 7383 2772 Trace Line: 0151 471 4811

I live in rented accommodation; does my landlord deal with the registration for myself and other tenants?

No, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to be put on the register. If you not have been sent a registration form then you will need to contact us so we can post one out to you.

I pay council tax, so why am I not on the Register?

These are two different and separate registers; you will need to be on the Electoral Register in order to vote.

A member of the family that lives in our property is a member of the armed forces. Do I need to include their name on the voter registration form?

Members of the armed forces may apply to register on a service declaration form, available from their service unit, but it is best if you safeguard their vote by including their name on the voter registration form.

I am now married and the voter registration form still has my maiden name. How do I notify you of the change?

Simply cross through yr name on the form and insert your married name underneath your old name. If you havent got a voter registration form then you will need to put it in writing and send it to us so we can make the necessary amendments. You can send this information via fax, email or letter.

Am I eligible to vote in local government or European Parliamentary elections?

You are eligible to vote if you fit the criteria for the parliamentary election above, and in addition can be an EU citizen - as long as you are not legally disbarred from voting in their home country.

Am I eligible to vote in a parliamentary election?

To vote in parliamentary elections in the UK you must be a British citizen, a citizen of another Commonwealth country or of the Irish Republic, as well as being resident in the UK, aged 18 or over, included in the register

What if I am unable to get to the Polling Station on Election Day?

If you are unable to go to your Polling Station on Election Day, you can apply to vote by post or proxy (a proxy is someone who votes on your behalf): • if you have a permanent physical incapacity, are registered blind or receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance, you are eligible for a permanent postal or proxy vote. The form requires the declaration that the information is correct from a doctor, nurse or warden of a home • if your work frequently takes you overseas • if you will be on holiday when the election is taking place • if you have moved house since you registered and are unable to go to your old polling station • if you are working during all hours of voting, for example as a member of the election staff. Please contact the electoral registration officer who will advise which form you need to complete.

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