Electoral registration
The Electoral Services Unit are responsible for organising all local and national elections held within Liverpool City Council. They also ensure the publication of the complete and accurate electoral register in accordance with statutory deadlines.
What is the Electoral Register?
The Electoral Register is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. You do not have to vote on Election Day, but if you are not on the register you will not be able to vote.
Between mid-August to the end of November each year an annual canvass is carried out of all addresses within the City and a registration form will be delivered to your address which you should complete and return as soon as possible. From the details received on this canvass the electoral register is published on 1st December of each year.
Between December and mid-August you can still register by completing a rolling registration application form, (see 'How can I register to vote' below).
Why should I register?
The information is required by law.
If you are not on the register you cannot vote at any elections held.
Credit reference agencies use the electoral register when assessing credit worthiness. If you are not on the electoral register you may experience difficulties with such things as: - opening a bank account, getting credit, a loan or a mortgage or buying goods on hire purchase.
Am I registered to vote?
Copies of the full versions of the Electoral Register are kept at the Electoral Services offices in Dale Street and at the Central Library in William Brown Street. Alternatively you can call Liverpool Direct on 0151 233 3028 who will check for you or e-mail liverpool.direct@liverpool.gov.uk.
How can I register to Vote?
If you are not already registered, between 1st December and mid-August you can request an application form by calling 0151 233 3028 and one will be sent to you.
Alternatively you can visit the aboutmyvote website and print off the Electoral Registration form and return it to Electoral Services Unit, Room 230, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2DH.
Between mid-August and 30 November the annual canvass is carried out across the city. An electoral registration form is sent to each address. This form can then be used to add voters or change any details as necessary, and then returned by post as soon as possible. If there are no changes to the details on the form, these can be confirmed by phone (the telephone number is on the form) or via the internet.
Can anyone register to vote?
To be able to register:-
- You must be resident in the electoral area
- You must be a British or Irish citizen, Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of a European Union country
- You must be 18 years of age or over OR must attain the age of 18 during the life of the registering period
- Electors under 18 who are registered will have a birthday card sent to them from Electoral Services on their 18th birthday
- You must not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote
What are the 'Full' and 'Edited' Registers?
The electoral registration officer makes and keeps two versions of the electoral register - the full register and the edited register.
The full register lists the name and address of everyone who is registered to vote. The main use of the full register is to show who can vote in elections and referenda. Credit reference agencies can use it, but only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit and for other purposes specified in law. It can also be used for law enforcement.
The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose. The edited register can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing. If you want to opt out of having your details appear on the edited register, please indicate this on your registration.
Where can I inspect the Register of Electors?
In accordance with the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2002, the following rules apply to people inspecting the register of electors:
The register is open to public inspection, under supervision
Extracts from the register may be recorded only by making hand written notes. Photocopying or electronic recording are not permitted by law
Information taken from the register must not be used for direct marketing purposes (as per section 11(3) of the Data Protection Act 1998), unless the information has been published in the edited version of the register.
Under the regulations referred to above, anyone who fails to observe these conditions is committing a criminal offence. The penalty is a fine of up to level 5 (currently £5000).
There is a full copy of the electoral register available for inspection at each of the following venues:
Central Library
William Brown Street
Liverpool
L3 8EW
Opening Hours
9am - 6pm Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm Saturday
12pm - 4pm Sunday
You do not need any prior appointment to view the electoral register at the Library.
Electoral Services Unit
Municipal Buildings
Dale Street
Liverpool
L2 2DH
Opening Hours
8.30am - 4.45pm Monday - Friday
If you wish to view the electoral register at the Municipal Buildings then you should make a prior appointment before doing so. Please contact the Electoral Services Unit on 0151 225 3173 who will be happy to arrange a time for you to call in and inspect the register.
Further Information
The website www.promotethevote.co.uk aims to raise awareness by supporting and encouraging people with learning disabilities to have a better understanding of the voting process, to become active citizens and to register to vote.
The project has been funded by the Electoral Commission www.electoralcommission.org.uk/about-us/partnership-grants/grants-awarded/speaking-up