How do I register to vote?
You need to register before you can vote in UK elections. The different ways you can register to vote are listed below.
Registering to vote in England, Scotland and Wales
Register online
Visit the UK Government website to fill in a simple online form:
You will need your National Insurance Number (if you have one).
Register by post
Print off a form and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office:
Alternatively you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office and ask them to post a form to you:
Registering in Northern Ireland
Print off and complete an Electoral Registration Form and return it to your Area Electoral Office.
Who can register to vote?
You can register to vote if you are:
- 16 years old or over (but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old)
A British citizen - An Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen who is resident in the UK
- Citizens of the European Union who are not Commonwealth citizens can vote in European and local elections in the UK, but are not able to vote in UK general elections.
Overseas and service voters
If you are a British citizen living abroad, you can apply to be an overseas voter.
You can register as a service voter if you are a member of the armed forces or the spouse or civil partner of someone in the armed forces.
When can I register to vote?
You can register to vote, or change your address on the electoral register, at any time throughout the year.
However, if you are seeking to vote in a specific election there will be a deadline by which you must have registered that will be determined by when that election is to be held.
Am I already registered to vote?
To find out whether or not you are registered to vote, you need to contact your Electoral Registration Officer. You can find their details by entering your postcode on the About My Vote website.
Further information
More information on how to register to vote can be found on the Electoral Commission website or the About My Vote website.
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