Register to vote

Who can register

You can register to vote in the UK if you are:

• resident (usually live) in the UK and
• aged 16 or over (but you will not be able to vote until you are 18)

You must also be one of the following:

• a British citizen or Irish citizen
• a Commonwealth citizen (including Maltese and Cypriot) who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission
• a European Union (EU) citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, or Spain who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission
• a European Union (EU) citizen of any other EU country who on or before 31 December 2020 had permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who did not need permission, and this has continued without a break

The EU citizens described above can vote in local elections only.

How to register

You will need to:

• fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details
• provide your National Insurance number (if you have one), which can be found on your national insurance card, or in official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits

If you don't have a National Insurance number you can still apply, but may be contacted later to provide further documentation.

Register to vote on GOV.UK

After you've registered

Once you've made a successful application to register to vote, you'll receive a confirmation letter to say you are registered.

The date your details are added to the electoral register depends on when your application is received.

Registering to vote does not automatically register you for Council Tax. The electoral and Council Tax records are separate. The information included on each is different and they are compiled separately. When you register for Council Tax you are not automatically registered to vote. Find out more about Council Tax.

Change your details on the electoral register 

You can change your details if you have a change of address, nationality or name.

Change of address or change of nationality

If you have moved address or you have changed nationality, you will need to complete a new application to register to vote to update your details on the electoral register. 

Change of name

If you have changed your name, for example, through marriage or deed poll, you can either complete a new application to register to vote or email electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk for a change of name form to complete. 

Living abroad

If you are a British citizen living abroad you can register to vote in UK parliamentary elections. If you are working for the British government, British Council or British armed forces overseas you can register to vote in all UK elections. 

No fixed address 

If you are living in temporary accommodation, or are homeless, or you are in prison on remand or living at a mental health institution, you can register using a Declaration of Local Connection form. 

Contact electoral services

Contact us

If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote or you need any help or guidance, contact electoral services by email electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk or call 01372 474474.

Your personal information

For information on how we use your data, read our privacy notice.

For information on who has access to the full and open registers see electoral register.