Opt in/out of the open register

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but it is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it may be 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.

Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

Please note that your request to opt in or out of the register will only be effective from a specific date. Previous published versions of the register cannot be amended and the opt out/opt in process cannot be retrospective. Therefore, even if you have  opted out, your details may still be available on previous versions of the register.

Opting out

An elector’s name and address will be included in the open register unless the elector chooses to opt out. At the time of making an application to register, electors are offered the facility to opt out. If you wish to opt out at any other time you can do so in one of the following ways:

You must give your name and address and specify that you wish to opt out. Your details will then be permanently removed from the open register at that address unless you give us further notice that you wish to change your opt out preference.

Opting in

If you are currently opted out of the open register but wish to opt back in to the open register you can do so in one of the following ways:

You must give your name and address and specify that you wish to opt in. Your details will then be permanently shown on the open register at that address unless you give us further notice that you wish to change your opt out preference.