Full and Edited Versions Explained

The Electoral Registration Officer makes and keeps two versions of the electoral register - the full register and the edited register.

 

The choice you have to make

If you do put an "X" in the opt-out box on the voter registration form, your name and address will only appear on the full register, which will only used for certain lawful purposes, such as elections, law enforcement and checking applications for credit.

If you do not put an "X" in the box on the voter registration form, your name will also appear on the edited version of the register, which anyone can buy. This means anyone can use your details for any purpose.

So, you must put an "X" in the box if you do not want your details to appear on the edited register which anyone can buy. Do not put an "X" in the box if you want your name and address to be included on the edited register and available to anyone who asks for a copy of it.

The full register

The full register lists the name and address of everyone who is registered to vote. The Council holds a copy.  This version is available for inspection under supervision at Swale House, Frenchgate, Richmond by appointment only. Anyone can look at it, but it is a criminal offence to supply or use copies for purposes other than those set down in law. More information is available at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/.

The main use of the full register is to show who can vote in elections and referendums. Credit reference agencies can use it, but only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit and for other purposes specified in law. It can also be used for law enforcement.

List of Credit reference Agencies

The edited register

The edited register leaves out the names and addresses of people who have asked for their names to be excluded from that version of the register. The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose. The edited register can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing.

 

 

Further information can be found on the Electoral Commission's website: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/

 

Please contact the Electoral Team if you wish to check if your details have been included on the edited register.

 

 

 

Contact: Electoral Team, Resources Service, Swale House, Frenchgate, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4JE