Registering to Vote

Registering to Vote

Registering to vote means that you can vote in elections and referendums. The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. It is a legal requirement to register to vote if you are asked to do so.

If you have moved, you will need to register to vote at your new address. Paying Council Tax will not automatically register you to vote as you must complete a individual registration application.

You can register to vote online by clicking on the button below.

Register to Vote

You can also register to vote by calling (0116) 288 8961. You'll need to provide your national insurance number and date of birth as part of the required details to complete your registration application.

If you refer a paper form to register or need further help or advice, please get in touch with Electoral Services.

Please note:

• You cannot vote if you are not registered
• You can register at two addresses in certain circumstances, such as students for a term-time and home address. However, you can only vote once in any election.
• Not being registered to vote can affect your credit score and affect your ability to get a mortgage

Eligibility

You need to be included on the register if you are:

• 18 years old and over
• British, Irish, European or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
• 16 and 17 year olds (although you will not be able to vote until you are 18 years old)
• residing within the Borough

Voting in an Election

You will be sent a poll card before an election with information about the election and your polling station. You do not need to take the polling card with you to be able to vote but it will make the process of voting easier.

If you are unable to get to your polling station on election day you may apply for a postal vote or proxy vote.

Overseas Voters

Any British citizen living overseas can be registered to vote in the UK in general elections and national referendums for 15 years after they were last on the electoral register. Overseas voters are not allowed to vote in local elections.

Follow the 'Register to Vote' link above to register.

Anonymous Registration

If you are concerned about your safety then there is a different process to register anonymously. More information is available on the anonymous registration link at the bottom of the page.

Am I Already on the Electoral Register?

To find out if you are registered to vote, contact Electoral Services.