The Electoral Register and Open Register - who can access them?

There are two forms of the registers. Why?

The Electoral Registration Officer keeps two registers - the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as detecting crime (eg.fraud), calling people for jury service, checking credit applications.

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by business and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote. If you want to remove your details from the open register, or check if they are already removed, please email vote@surreyheath.gov.uk. If you wish to purchase a copy of the open register, please contact us using this form.

You can find out more information about both registers and how they may be used at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Fair Processing Statement

This authority 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. For further information, see Data Matching national fraud initiative, and the Elections Privacy Notice or contact corporateenforcement@surreyheath.gov.uk