The Electoral Register

The Electoral Register contains all the names and addresses of adults living in the UK who are eligible to vote in General and Local Elections. Although each person must take action to register, it is not supposed to be optional and the fine for not registering can amount to £1,000. Nevertheless, it is estimated that 15% of those who should register, have not done so. This hampers their credit rating and means they cannot serve on a jury.

A Household Enquiry Form is sent to every home in the UK each year by local councils. This lists the people who previously registered and asks for that information to be checked and amended where necessary. The response can now be given online, making it a very simple process.

A young person can register when they are 16 years old, in readiness for voting from the age of 18 (in Scotland, this is 14 years old, for voting in local elections from age 16). Members of the House of Lords cannot vote in General Elections, neither can EU citizens, nor convicted prisoners.

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