The electoral register and the 'open register'
Opt out of the 'open register'
There are 2 versions of the electoral register - the full version and the ‘open register’ (known as the ‘edited register’ in Northern Ireland).
If you registered to vote anonymously, your details will not appear on either version of the electoral register. You will still be able to vote.
How to opt out of the open register
You can opt out of the open register. This is the version of the register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.
To opt out, either:
- use the register to vote service (even if you’re already registered)
- contact your Electoral Registration Office if you live in England, Scotland or Wales
- contact the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI) if you live in Northern Ireland
Opting out does not affect your right to vote.
When you opt out of the open register, your details will still appear on the full version of the electoral register, unless you’re registered to vote anonymously.
The full version and what it can be used for
Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register (unless you’re registered to vote anonymously), and you cannot opt out. This is the version of the register that’s used for elections and referendums.
The full version of the register can only be used for:
- electoral administration purposes (such as sending out poll cards before elections)
- campaigning activities (for example, candidates and political parties sending election communications to voters, surveying opinions or fundraising)
- preventing and detecting crime
- checking applications for loans or credit
- jury summoning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
You can find out more about the difference between the open register and the electoral register on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.