Register to vote

Who is eligible to register?

To register to vote, you must be:

  • a UK or Irish citizen
  • a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK
  • an EU citizen living in the UK
  • aged 16 or over (but you can’t vote until you’re 18 years old).

Find more about who can vote

How do I register to vote?

In order to vote in an election, you need to be on the electoral register. Individuals are responsible for registering themselves.

To register to vote online, you need just five minutes and your National Insurance number.

If you can’t register online, you can download a paper form.

If there are no changes to your personal circumstances, you don’t need to register to vote before every election.

Update your registration details

If you have moved house, you will need to register to vote again.

If you change your name for any reason, you can either:

  • contact the electoral services team at your local council and request a change of name form
  • register to vote again.

Why should I register to vote?

  • The information is required by law.
  • If you do not register you cannot exercise your democratic right to vote in any election.
  • If you are not listed on the register you may have difficulty applying for a loan, credit card, mortgage or bank account as the register is used by credit reference agencies.
  • The electoral register is used to appoint people for jury service.

Register to vote

Update the register for your property

More information

Find out about postal votes, including how to apply

Find out about proxy votes, including how to apply

Find out about the electoral register, including how to remove your name from the open register