What is meant by the open register?
There are 2 versions of the electoral register - the ‘open register’ and the full version.
Opting out of the open register
- You can opt out of the ‘open register’ - the version of the register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.
- Opting out doesn’t affect your right to vote.
The full version
Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register. The full version of the register is only used for:
- elections
- preventing and detecting crime
- checking applications for loans and credit
Find out more about the difference between the ‘open register’ and the electoral register