The electoral register and your privacy

Find out how your personal information appears on the electoral register, who can see it and how to control access to your details.

Full and open registers

When you register to vote, your details are added to 2 registers.

The full register:

  • lists everyone who is registered to vote
  • is used for elections and referendums
  • helps prevent and detect crime
  • is used to check credit applications
  • can only be viewed by specific organisations

The open register:

  • is available for anyone to buy
  • can be used for direct marketing
  • does not affect your right to vote
     

Protecting your privacy

You can:

Who can see the full register

Only certain organisations can see the full register, including:

  • political parties
  • election candidates
  • credit reference agencies
  • government departments
  • local councils
     

Anonymous registration

Register to vote anonymously if having your name and address on the electoral register could affect your safety. When registered anonymously:

  • your name and address won't appear on either register
  • only an electoral number will be shown
  • you can still vote in all elections you're eligible for
     
Register to vote anonymously

Getting help

Contact your local Electoral Registration Office if you:

  • want to opt out of the open register
  • need to register anonymously
  • have questions about your data
  • want to make a complaint
     
Contact your local Electoral Registration Office