Am I On The Electoral Register?

Being on the electoral roll, also known as the electoral register, is not only a requirement for voting in the UK, but it also plays a significant role in maintaining a robust credit rating and improving your likelihood of securing finance.

Why? Because it confirms you against your address. 

As such, many people frequently ask, "Am I on the electoral register?"

In this insight, we will cover everything you need to know about the electoral register, including how to check if you are registered on the roll.

Key Takeaways

• Being on the UK electoral roll is crucial for voting, credit rating, and improving your finances. It confirms your address, aiding lenders in evaluating your stability.
• You can confirm your status through your local council by using their contact details or by checking your credit report, available through services like CheckMyFile.
• The electoral register has a full version for official use, including voting and credit checks, and an open version available for purchase, with privacy options.
• Electoral registration boosts your credit score by verifying identity and address for lenders, increasing your chances of securing loans, but anonymous listings don't affect credit scores. Remember to update your details when moving.

Am I On The Electoral Register?

To find out if you're on the electoral register, you have two options. You can either contact your local council and ask them directly, or you can check your credit report. Your credit report will confirm within minutes the address you are or aren't registered to through the roll.

Contacting your local council

If you want to proceed with contacting your local council, you can complete the gov.uk form available online to find the relevant contact number or e-mail address. To use this option, you will need to know your postcode, be able to send an e-mail, or have time to wait on the phone for a council worker to answer.

Check your Credit Report

The other method to check whether you are on the electroral register is to check your credit report. Your credit report will review the electoral records that are recorded as a factor for credit scoring purposes. As soon as you view your report, it will be clearly highlighted if you are registered on the electoral roll, and at what address.

If you have never checked your credit report before, you can do so through a credit reference agency. Credit reference agencies have access to view your credit report. Many charge a fee for this service. However, for this reason we recommend using CheckMyFile. CheckMyFIle are a multi-agency credit reporting company that offer a free check of your credit score during a trial for 30 days. Within this trial period, you can view your credit report, download it, and cancel your trial without incurring any fee at all. You do need to input your card details up-front. But cancelling is easy, it can be done within the dashboard available to you, or through the support team available.

Am I On The Electoral Roll If I Live Abroad?

If you live abroad but are still eligible to vote in the UK, you can check if you are on the electoral register through a similar process as residents within the UK. These include, checking your electoral status with your local council to your last UK address or by checking your credit report.

You can get in touch with the local Electoral Registration Office in the area where you were last registered to vote in the UK. You can find the contact information for your local office on the official UK government website or through a search engine. Reach out to them via email or phone to ask about your registration status.

What Is The Electoral Roll?

The electoral roll is a list that has names and addresses of people who can vote in the elections within a specific area. It's used to make sure only eligible people vote and that elections are fair. The electoral roll includes important information about registered voters, such as their names, addresses, and sometimes additional details like birthdates.

How Does The Electoral Register Work?

The electoral register, also known as the electoral roll, is a comprehensive list of everyone eligible to vote in the United Kingdom. It comes in two versions: the full version and the 'open register'.

The Full Register

The full register is utilised for electoral purposes, such as voting in local and general elections, referenda, selecting jury members, and conducting credit checks. It is not available publicly and individuals are unable to opt-out.

The Open Register

The open register, on the other hand, is accessible to the public for purchase. If privacy is a concern, you have the option to exclude your details from this version.

Why Is It important To Be On The Electoral Register?

The electoral roll is a comprehensive list of individuals who are eligible to vote in the UK. It is a critical tool for democracy, enabling citizens to participate in local and national elections. However, beyond the sphere of politics, your status on the electoral roll also has far-reaching implications for your financial life.

Does Being On The Electoral Register Improve My Credit Score?

Yes, your electoral roll information is a crucial element of your credit report, which facilitates the authentication of your identity and current address by lenders. This information is often deemed essential by lenders, who view your electoral roll listing as an indicator of your stability. Therefore, your electoral roll status significantly increases your chances of success with lenders, be it to hit the minimum credit score for a mortgage, a credit card, or any other form of finance.

Being registered to vote at your current address is beneficial for your credit score. However, if you're registered to vote anonymously, your Electoral Roll listing will not appear on your Credit Report and will not improve your score.

Other Benefits of Electoral Roll Registration

Being on the electoral roll also facilitates various other aspects of your life, including:

• Acquiring a passport
• Passing employer and landlord checks
• Opening credit accounts
• Passing checks for insurance or utilities

Who Can Register on the Electoral Roll?

Any British, EU, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who will be at least 18 years old on polling day is eligible to register on the electoral roll. Once the registration process is completed, you can exercise your voting rights in person at a polling station, by post, or by proxy (appointing someone to vote on your behalf).

Find out: how to improve your credit score, if you're new to the UK

How to Register on the Electoral Roll

You can register to vote online, by phone, or post. Remember, moving to a new property doesn't automatically enrol you in the electoral register; you need to re-register each time you change address.

The Annual Canvass

Each year, a nationwide update of the electoral register, known as the Annual Canvass, takes place. During this process, local authorities distribute Household Enquiry Forms to establish whether everyone at the property eligible to vote is registered. The results of the Annual Canvass are typically published on 1 December, with some slight variations across local authorities.

Amending Errors on Your Electoral Roll Listing

If you notice any errors on your electoral roll listing or if your credit report fails to display your listing, you should first contact your local council to report the issue. If a credit reference agency has erroneously omitted your electoral roll information, you may be able to rectify this by contacting the agency directly.

Final Thoughts: Get Registered

In conclusion, understanding the electoral register and ensuring your registration plays a significant role not just in exercising your voting rights but also in maintaining a healthy credit score and smooth financial processes. So, if you're wondering, "Am I on the electoral register?" take the necessary steps to check and update your details as required.