North Dorset District Council - Elections and Electoral Registration

What is the Register of Electors?

The Register of Electors is the list of everyone who is registered to vote.  You must be on the register to vote in elections and referendums.  There are two versions of the register - the full version and the edited version.  Your details will appear on the full version of the register, but you can choose whether or not your details appear on the edited register. 

The full register is used for elections, preventing and detecting crime and checking applications for credit.  The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing.

Who is eligible to register/vote?

To be eligible for inclusion on the Register of Electors you must be:

• Over 18, or reach the age of 18 during the period in which the register is in force - from 1 December to 30 November the following year

• A British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen

How do I register to vote?

Paying Council Tax does not mean that you are registered to vote. The only way to have your name added to the Register of Electors is by completing and signing a registration or canvass form.

You can register to vote at any time.  If you are not registered or you have moved address, download and complete an  Electoral Registration Form (pdf, 31kb) (opens in a new window)   You can also phone or email us and we will send the form to your home address.  If any of your details have changed (other than your address), or you would like to opt out of the edited register you can tell us by filling in the Change of Details Form [20kb] (opens in a new window).