Electoral Registration FAQs

Electoral Registration - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

• What is the Electoral Register?
• Is my name on the register?
• How can I get my name on the register?
• When will my name appear on the Electoral Register?
• I wish to know details of someone else / trace a relative or friend in your area, can you give out this information?
• Where can I check the full register?
• Can I purchase an extract from the electoral register?
• Who is my local Member of Parliament (MP)?
• Who is my local Member of the European Parliament (MEP)?
• Who is my District Councillor?
• Who is my County Councillor?
• Does our village have a Parish Council / Who are my Parish Councillors?
• Can you give me proof of my electoral registration for credit reference purposes?
• I keep getting mail for the former residents, can you take them off this address?
• I'm going to live abroad, how do I keep my right to vote?
• I have changed my name, how do I change my name on the electoral register?
• When was the last boundary review?

What is the Electoral Register?

The electoral Register is a list compiled by the Council of persons eligible to vote in elections within the District. The Electoral Registration Officer has a statutory duty to compile it each year.

There are two registers published; -

Full Register used for voting and certain specified purposes. The register is a public document, but can only be inspected under supervision at the Council Offices.

Edited Register - contains only the details of those people who have not opted out. Anyone can buy a copy of the Edited Register so if you choose to opt out, your name and address will not appear on the Edited Register, and therefore, be open to public viewing and will not be available for sale.

Is my name on the register?

If you telephone the office and give a member of staff you name and address we will check for you.

How do I get my name on the register?

You can you either download the rolling registration form below (one applicant per form) or you can telephone the office and give us your name and address and for how many people, and we will put an application form(s) in the post to you.

Application Form to Register as an Elector (PDF 102.7KB)

When will my name appear on the Electoral Register?

Your details will be added within 2 to 6 weeks of receiving your form. The register is usually updated at the beginning of each month from any new details received up to approximately 10th of each month. (see below)

I wish to know details of someone else/ trace a relative or friend in your area, can you give out this information?

Sorry, but we cannot give out that information, we can only confirm the details given, if that person has not opted out.

Where can I check the electoral register?

The full register can be viewed at the District Offices in Dunstable. Please make an appointment, as any viewing of the register must be conducted under supervision.

For information about viewing the edited register please contact the office.

Can I purchase an extract from the electoral register?

You can purchase extracts from the electoral register. The fees and charges for the extracts are available to view online or to download (PDF 109.5KB)

Who is my District Councillor?

If you telephone the office and tell a member of staff where you live they will check for you or alternatively see Councillors and Wards where you can also find the details.

Who is my County Councillor?

If you telephone the office and tell a member of staff where you live they will check for you or alternatively you look on the Bedfordshire County Council website where you can also find the details.

Does our village have a Parish Council / Who are my Parish Councillors?

To find out whether your village has a parish council you can telephone the office and we will check for you. Alternatively you can click on Towns and Parishes where you can also find the details of the Parish Clerks.

Can you give me proof of my electoral registration for credit reference purposes?

If you telephone the office and give a member of staff your name and address and the period of time involved we can confirm the details held on our records. Written copies of these records can be produce but only for you and/or your immediate family.

I keep getting mail for the former residents, can you take them off this address?

You can either telephone the offices and give your name and address to a member of staff and we will send you an Objection Form to fill in and return. Alternatively you download a form from the link below. Upon receipt, action can then be taken.

Objection to Inclusion of an Electors Name (PDF 91.4kKB)

Im going to live abroad, how do I keep my right to vote?

You can download the application form to register as an Overseas Elector below, or alternatively you can telephone the office and we can send you a application form.

At present you can do this for a period of 15 years after the last year in which your name appeared on an Electoral Register. The application form allows for you to apply for a postal or proxy vote at the same time. However, do not forget to take into account that the postal service abroad may not be quick enough for us to send the ballot paper and be returned in time.

Your application will need to be renewed annually but we will send you a reminder letter.

Application to Register as an Overseas Elector (PDF 388.1KB)

I have changed my name, how do I change my name on the electoral register?

You need to write to us at the Electoral Registration Service, The District Office, High Street North, Dunstable. LU6 1LF

reviewed 10 April 2008