The two versions of the Voters List - 'opting out' explained
More information about opting out
The electoral registration officer now makes and keeps two versions of the Voters List - a full version and an edited version.
The full Voters List
The full version lists everyone who is entitled to vote. The law says who can have a copy of it and what it can be used for. This includes electoral purposes, the prevention and detection of crime, and checking your identity when you apply for credit. It is a criminal offence for them to pass it on to anyone else or to use it for any other purpose.
The Edited Voters List.
The edited version leaves out the names and addresses of people who have asked to be excluded from it. It can be bought by anyone and used for any purpose. For example, direct mailing companies may use it to send you information about goods and services.
If you do not want your details sold from the edited list you must tell us. You can do this by ticking the "opt-out" box on the voter registration form.
The regulations about the two versions of the voters list are given in the Representation (England and Wales) (Amendment)Regulations 2002 (SI2002 No 1871), and are available online at www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/stat.htm
Page last updated: 07/08/2007
