Registering to vote is quick and simple. It means you have the right to vote at elections and it could also improve your credit rating.

Register to vote on the GOV.UK website

Make sure you are always registered

If you are entitled to vote, you must make sure that your name appears on the Register of Electors. You should also let us know if you move house or leave the borough. Being registered ensures that your right to vote is protected if an election is called at short notice. What’s more, your ability to obtain credit could be restricted if you are not on the register.

Check if you are registered

Who has to register to vote?

You must register to vote if you are a UK resident, aged 16 or over and a British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen.

You can register only for the address where you are living. Sixteen or 17 year olds should also be registered to ensure that they can vote as soon as they reach 18. Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are those who have leave to enter or remain in the UK.

If you are unsure whether you or anyone in your household qualify to be included on the register, please visit the Your Vote Matters website.

Adding your name to the Register of Electors

You can add your name to the register by filling in the online register to vote form on the GOV.UK website.

Registration forms in different languages

The two versions of the register and your right to opt-out

There are two registers. Why?

Using information received from the public, registration officers keep two registers – the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).

The electoral register

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (eg fraud), calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.

The open register

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. Any person, company or organisation can buy it. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. This does not affect your right to vote.

How do I tell you that I want to be included or not included on the open register?

Please send an email to: electoral.services@lbhf.gov.uk

Or write to us at:

Electoral Services
Hammersmith Town Hall
King Street
Hammersmith
London W6 9JU

You will need to give us your name and address and tell us whether you want to be included or excluded from the open register.

You can find information about both registers on the GOV.UK website.

For more information about the organisations and individuals who buy both versions of the register, please visit who has my details.

The electoral register is also used for the detection and prevention of fraud. For more information about this, please see our privacy notice.

Inspecting the register

You can inspect the full Register of Electors, under supervision only. Please contact us to make an appointment.

Further information

If you need more comprehensive guidance about registering to vote, visit The Electoral Commission website.