Electoral register
The electoral register is a list of everyone who is entitled to vote.
Once you are registered, there is no need to re-register unless you move house or change your name. The quickest way to change your name on the electoral register is via the secure government website at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It should only take you a few minutes and you will need your national insurance number to hand. If you have an existing postal vote in your old name, you will need to complete a new application for a postal vote as your signature will have changed.
A canvass of all residential properties is normally carried out each year which is a check to make sure we have the correct people registered. It is an offence not to supply the information required, or to give false information. The maximum fine is £1,000.
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How to view the full electoral register
The full electoral register is available for public inspection at Lancaster Town Hall between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday and is by appointment only. You can only make hand written notes. The open register, however, is available to view without an appointment during the times above.
Banks, building societies and credit reference agencies use the full version of the electoral register to check proof of residence. If residents are not on the register they may be refused credit facilities.
What is the difference between the full version of the electoral register and the open register?
Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register. The full version of the register is only used for:
- Elections
- Preventing and detecting crime
- Checking applications for loans or credit
The open register is the version of the register that is available to anyone who wants to buy a copy, including businesses and organisations.
Opting out of the open register
Although your details do have to be included on the full register, you can opt out of the open register.
If you are already registered to vote but want your name to be excluded from the open register please email elections@lancaster.gov.uk with your name and address.
Opting out does not affect your right to vote or your credit rating.
- You can find out more about the difference between the ‘open register’ and the electoral register on legislation.gov.uk.
Fair processing notice
Lancaster City Council is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.
- See our national fraud initiative page for further information
Last updated: 13 June 2024