How do I register to vote?

Registering to vote in England, Scotland and Wales

Register online

Visit the UK Government website to fill in a simple online form:

• GOV.UK: Register online
• GOV.UK Register online Welsh language version (Cymraeg)

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:

• GOV.UK: Voter registration forms (paper versions)

Alternatively you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office and ask them to post a form to you:

• GOV.UK: Contact your local Electoral Registration Office

Registering in Northern Ireland

Print off and complete an Electoral Registration Form and return it to your Area Electoral Office.

• The Electoral Office of Northern Ireland: Register to vote/change address/change name

Who can register to vote?

You can register to vote if you are 16 years old or over but you cannot vote in a UK general election until you are 18 years old. You must also be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.

EU citizens and some citizens of other countries that have permission (or do not need permission) to remain in the UK, may vote in local and devolved parliament elections, and so can also register to vote, but they cannot vote in UK general elections.

More information is at: 

• GOV.UK: Register to Vote
• Electoral Commission: Which elections can i vote in?

Overseas and service voters

If you are a British citizen living abroad, you can apply to be an overseas voter.

• About My Vote: Overseas voters

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.

• About My Vote: 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 at: Your Election Information.

Further information

More information on how to register to vote can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

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