The electoral register
When you register to vote your name goes on the electoral register. This is a list of people eligible to vote.
Full electoral register
The full electoral register has the names and addresses of everyone registered to vote. It cannot be sold to anyone. It is used:
- by election staff, political parties and candidates for electoral purposes
- to prevent and detect crime
- call you for jury service
- check applications for loans or credit
Every year between July and September, we send a canvass form to all residential properties by email or post to check who is eligible to register to vote. Find out more about the annual household canvass.
Open register
The open register is a version of the electoral register that can be bought by any person, company or organisation.
It is mainly used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. The personal data in the register must always be processed in line with data-protection legislation.
Your name and address are included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed when you register.
Removing your details from the register does not affect your right to vote.
Opt out
To opt out of the open register:
- call: 01454 863030
- email: electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk
- write to: Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DE
Publication of the updated register
An updated register of electors is published on 1 December each year.
The electoral register may be revised at any time during the year and may be necessary following a review of local government boundaries.
A notice will be published 14 calendar days before the publication date if such a revision is undertaken.