Register to vote

Heckington Parish Council West Ward by-election on 3 October 2024 - Please note that the registration deadline to vote in this election is midnight on Tuesday 17 September 2024.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

To be eligible to register to vote in England a person must be:

• Aged 17 or over. (17 years olds and some 16 year olds may register to vote, but may not vote until they are 18.)
• A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave. The definition of a commonwealth citizen includes citizens of British crown dependencies and British overseas territories.
• A citizen of European Union (EU) member states can vote in UK local elections, elections to the Scottish parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland assemblies (If they live in those areas) and some referendums, but are not able to vote in UK parliamentary general elections. Citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta are eligible to be registered to vote in respect of all elections in the UK. 

Register to vote

The way we all register to vote has changed. The system is now called ‘Individual Electoral Registration’ and instead of using a household form to register to vote, everyone will take individual responsibility for their own registration. The quickest and easiest way to register is online.

Please remember you will need to register again every time you move house. Even if you are paying Council tax for a property, this will not add you to the Electoral Register. 

Registration can now be done online and you will need the following in order to apply:

• Name
• Current and Previous Address
• Nationality
• Date of birth 
• National Insurance Number

The details that are entered will be used to verify that the person making the application is who they say they are and will reduce the risk of fraud and inaccurate entries on the Electoral Register. 

If you are unable to register online, you can call us to make an application or to request a paper registration form by phoning 01529 414155.

Alternatively, if you have your National Insurance number available when you call, we can complete the registration on your behalf.

Who is responsible for changing the system?

The system was introduced by the UK government through the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 which became law on 31 January 2013. Electoral Registration Officers are implementing the change.

Registering to vote:

• is required by law
• enables you to vote and have a say in local and national matters
• helps with credit applications (e.g. loans, mortgages etc)

Remember to keep your details updated - it will help to keep your credit history accurate. The electoral register can never be back-dated.