The electoral register

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• How and when can I register?
  • Annual Canvass
  • Rolling Registration
  • Who has access to the electoral register?
• Frequently asked questions

The electoral register is compiled every year to produce an accurate list of people's names who are eligible to vote at elections held in this country.  Although you may choose not to vote, you are required by law to register.  If you are not on the electoral register you will not be able to vote.

How and when can I register?

Annual Canvass

The annual canvass lasts from mid August to 30 November each year and is based on where you live on 15 October.  Household registration forms are sent to every property in the borough and information collected from these forms is used to produce the electoral register published on the first working day in December.  Please note that the electoral register is a separate record from the council tax list, therefore paying council tax does not automatically register you to vote.

If you miss registering during the annual canvass period, you can apply under rolling registration after 15 October.

Rolling Registration

Under 'rolling registration' individuals can register to vote between December and early August each year.  These amendments to the register are published on a monthly basis. 

 A copy of the rolling registration form is available to download and complete.  The deadlines for each monthly update to the register are as follows:

Who has access to the electoral register?

The Electoral Registration Officer maintains two versions of the electoral register - the full register and the edited register. An explanation of the two types of register is available.

The full electoral register can be inspected, under supervision, at the Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking. 

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Frequently asked questions

Answers to your frequently asked questions are now available.

For further information, please contact Woking Borough Council on 01483 755855 or email elections@woking.gov.uk.