Questions and answers

• Am I registered?
• How do I register to vote?
• When am I eligible to vote?
• How do I fill out the form?
• If I pay council tax am I automatically registered?
• I'm a student and I'm not sure where I should register to vote, what should I do?
• I've just turned 18 and want to register, how do I go about it?
• If I do not wish to be on the electoral register do I have to fill out the form?
• How can I found out if my details are in the edited register?
• Can I register to vote using the internet?
• Is the registration form available in large print, Braille and other languages?
• If no one at my address is eligible to vote do I still have to fill out the form?
• If I have two homes can I register at two addresses?
• How can I get a postal or proxy vote application form?
• I am in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy or RAF) posted abroad how do I register to vote?
• I am in the Armed Forces living in the UK how do I register to vote?
• Anonymous Registration

Am I registered?

You can confirm your entry on the current register of electors by contacting the Electoral Services Office

How do I register to vote?

During the annual canvass (August to November) each year, you will need to complete a Voter Registration Form, which will be delivered to your property. You are required by law to register each year.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a British or Commonwealth citizen.
• You are a citizen of the Irish Republic or other Member State of the European Union.
• You are 16 or over (but you cannot vote until your 18th birthday).

You are eligible to vote in all elections in the UK if:

• You are a British or Commonwealth citizen (list available) or,
• A citizen of the Republic or Ireland

You are eligible to vote in Local Government and European Parliamentary elections in the UK if:

• You are a European Union citizen (list available).

When am I eligible to vote?

Anyone who is registered and is a qualifying British, Commonwealth, Republic of Ireland or European Union citizen is entitled to vote in elections in this country. Having leave to remain does not give anyone the right to register or vote, unless they qualify on grounds of nationality.

How do I fill out the form?

Go to the 'Step By Step' Guide to Voter Registration which will take you through the process.

If I pay council tax am I automatically registered?

No. Electoral Registration is a separate service performed by the Electoral Services office. The Register of Electors is compiled to allow eligible residents the right to vote at the time of an election.

I'm a student and I'm not sure where I should register to vote, what should I do?

Students are entitled to register at both their home address and their university address. It is an offence to vote more than once in a national election, but you can vote in both areas at local elections.

I've just turned 18 and want to register, how do I go about it?

Follow the same process as 'How do I register to vote'.

If I do not wish to be on the electoral register do I have to fill out the form?

The Electoral Registration Officer produces two versions of the Electoral Register. The full register lists everyone who is entitled to vote. Only certain people and organisations can have a copy of the full register. The edited register leaves out the names and addresses of people who have asked for their details to remain confidential. The edited register is available for sale to anyone and they may use it for any purpose.

How can I found out if my details are in the edited register?

Contact Electoral Services for confirmation.

Can I register to vote using the internet?

Online registration is only available during the annual canvass period which is between August and November each year. All other times registering online will NOT be available. You will then need to download or request a Household Voter Registration Form.

You can use the internet service during the annual canvass period if there are no changes to the information printed on your voter registration form, however, using this service, you can still opt-out of the edited register and request a postal vote application form.

Is the registration form available in large print, Braille and other languages?

Yes. Please contact the Electoral Service Office for further information.

If no one at my address is eligible to vote do I still have to fill out the form?

Yes, you must still return the Voter Registration form by completing Section C, then sign the form and returning it in the pre-paid envelope provided.

If I have two homes can I register at two addresses?

Yes. People who have two homes are allowed to register at both but can only vote once at the same election.

How can I get a postal or proxy vote application form?

Contact the Electoral Services to obtain a form.

I am in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy or RAF) posted abroad how do I register to vote?

• Service personnel and their spouses posted abroad can register to vote through making an annual service declaration application, which is available from the electoral service office. This service declaration must be witnessed by a British Citizen living abroad.
• Service personnel can also register as an ordinary elector if they have an address where they would normally be living if not posted overseas. This can be done in the traditional way (as described in the 'How do I register to vote' section).

I am in the Armed Forces living in the UK how do I register to vote?

Service personnel and their spouses have the option of making a service declaration as above, or can opt to register to vote in the traditional way (as described in the 'How to register to vote' section).

Anonymous Registration

On 1st June 2007, new legislation was introduced, which allows persons at risk, or persons living in the same household of someone at risk, to register anonymously.

This new regulation is suitable for people escaping domestic violence or for people whose occupation means they must keep their identity private. It is not intended for people who do not want their details on a register available for sale.

Anonymous registrants can vote in person, by post or by proxy without their name or their address being identified. It also enables those who live with someone who is at risk to register anonymously.

For more information please contact Electoral Services on:
Telephone: 020 7364 0872
Email: electoralservices@towerhamlets.gov.uk