How to register to vote: our essential election guide

If you’re unsure how to register to vote, we’ve put together a handy guide to give you all the key information before this year’s general election.

As part of Colleges Week 2024 (26 February-1 March), we’d like to shine an all-important light on student political engagement. With a general election due to take place this year, it’s important for eligible voters of all ages to ensure they are registered. If you want to have their say about who’s in charge of the country – make sure you’re on the electoral register.

In 2019, more than 30% of those eligible didn’t exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot. If you’re thinking about voting in this year’s general election (or any election for that matter), then make sure you’re registered to vote. If you’ve moved house, changed your name or nationality, then you’ll need to re-register using the same process.

Here’s our simple guide to help you through the process.

1. Visit the Register to Vote webpage

Your first port of call when registering to vote is the government’s Register to Vote page.

2. Add essential information

Once there, you’ll be asked to enter the following information:

• Where you live (which UK nation)
• Your nationality
• Your date of birth
• Your full name
• Details of any name changes
• Your National Insurance (NI) number
• Your UK address and postcode
• Details of a second address
• Information if you’ve permanently left an address in the last 12 months
• Your phone number 
• Your email address

3. Opt in or out of the open register

The electoral register has two versions:

• The full version 
• The open register (known as the edited register in Northern Ireland)

The full version of the electoral register is used for:

• Elections and electoral activities
• Preventing and detecting crime
• Checking applications for loans or credit
• Jury summoning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The open register is a list of names and addresses that can be bought by a person, company or organisation. It’s often used by charities and businesses to confirm contact details.

If you don’t want your details on the open register, make sure you opt out when you register to vote.

4. Await confirmation

Once you’ve completed the online form, you’ll be given a reference number. Confirmation of your application to vote will be sent to your email address, along with the reference number and details of which Electoral Registration Office (ERO) your application has been sent to. The ERO should respond via email or letter within around 10 working days – but if there is an election taking place in your area when you apply, there could be delays. 

The ERO may contact you to confirm the address you have given or to request supporting information.

If your application to vote has been successful, the ERO will inform you that your details have been added to the electoral register.

Voting FAQ

What’s the deadline for registering to vote?

If you want to vote in a specific election, be sure to submit your application before midnight, 12 working days before it takes place. If you miss this deadline, your application will still be processed but you won’t be able to vote in that particular election.

Do I need to register every time I want to vote?

No. Once you’ve applied, you’ll stay on the electoral roll for future elections. However, if you move house, change your name or nationality, then you’ll need to re-register. The ERO will get in touch with you every year to check that they still have the correct details on file.

Do I need to take a photo ID with me when voting?

When voting in person, you must take a form of photo ID with you when you go to the polling station for the following elections and referendums:

• UK Parliament by-elections
• Local elections in England (including councils, mayors, the Greater London Authority and parishes)
• Recall of MP petitions in England, Scotland and Wales
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
• Neighbourhood planning referendums in England
• Local authority referendums in England (including Council Tax increase referendums)

If you want to vote in person but don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

How does the ERO check my identity when I register to vote?

When you register to vote, your name, date of birth and NI number will be matched against records held by the government. If they match, your application should go through easily.

If the ERO is struggling to check your identity, they’ll ask for supporting documents such as a passport or driving licence. If you’re unable to provide these, they might allow someone you know (not a family member) to sign an attestation, which is a document confirming your identity.

The ERO can only confirm your application once you’ve sent them supporting documents or an attestation.

What do I do if I’m away when an election is taking place?

If you’re on holiday when the election is due to take place, you’ve got two options.

Apply for a postal vote: You don’t need to give a reason to vote by post. However, you must already be registered to vote before you can apply for a postal vote. You’ll need to apply 11 working days (before 5pm) before the election that you want to vote by post in.

Use a proxy: You can ask someone else (known as a proxy) to vote for you if you’re unable to vote in person. They should be someone you trust and you’ll need to let them know who or what you want to vote for.

You’re only allowed to apply for a proxy if:

• You’re away on polling day
• You’re registered as an overseas voter
• You have a disability or medical issue
• You can’t vote in person due to work or military service

You can apply online for a proxy or complete an application and send it by post.

So there’s everything you need to know about registering to vote for UK elections and referendums. Your vote is your voice, so go ahead and use it!

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