How to change your address on the electoral roll in the UK?
Option #1: Electoral roll change of address online
You can change your address on the electoral roll in the UK online. Follow these steps to contact them online:
- Go to their website
- Click on the “Start now” button.
- Fill out the required form. Ensure that you have your National Insurance Number at hand when filling out the form. (National Insurance number can be found on tax returns or pension letters from the government.)
- Click on “I accept – send my application” after answering all questions. Clicking this button concludes your application.
- Your local council will inform you when your new address will be added to the electoral register.
Option #2: Electoral roll change of address by phone
You can change your address on the electoral roll in the UK by calling your local council. Follow these steps to contact them by phone:
- Go to your local council’s website.
- Click on “Council and Mayor”.
- Then choose “Register to vote”. You’ll find their phone number on this page.
- Dial the phone number given and let them know you would like to update your address on the electoral roll. The agent will assist you with the proceeding information.
- Once done, you will receive a registration form that you can fill out and return to them through the post.
Within seven to ten days of registering, you’ll receive a letter from your local council confirming your registration.
Option #3: Electoral roll change of address by post
You can change your address on the electoral roll in the UK by post. Follow these steps to do this:
- Go to their website.
- Choose the form according to your location. There will be different forms available for England, Scotland, and Wales.
- If you live in England, click on “Register to vote if you’re living in England”.
- A form will open, be sure to print and fill out this form.
- Once completed, send the form to your Local Electoral Registration Office.
- You can get the postal address from the local council’s website. For Instance; Lambeth Council. Go to their website.
- Click on “About the council” > “Contact details” > “Contact us”
- On the “Contact Us” page, you will find their postal address.
- Once you send the form to your Local Electoral Registration Office, your address will be updated on the electoral register.
When to change your address for the electoral roll & how long it will take?
Your electoral roll address needs to be updated upon moving house. It should be a priority even if there is no local or general election due for a while or if you haven’t been contacted by the council to update your address. It is recommended to change your address for the electoral roll a week before moving home.
When you apply for registration, your local council registry office will inform you when you will be added to the electoral register at your current address. The process of changing your voter registration address can take at least 10 days. Electoral register details are generally updated on the first working day of each month, except for October and November.
How to find out if you’re on the electoral register?
You can find out this information on your local council’s website.
1- Online
To verify that you are on the electoral roll, contact your local council online. Follow these steps to do it:
- Go to your local council’s website. For Instance, Lambeth.
- Click on “See more council services”.
- Afterwards click “Voting & elections”.
- Choose “The electoral register”.
- Click on “Ask for proof that you’re on the electoral register”
- Fill out the form.
- Then select “Submit”.
- Within 10 days, you will receive a letter confirming your registration.
2- Email
Some councils opt for the email option (for instance, the London Borough of Hounslow). Here are the steps that you can follow:
- Visit the local council’s website.
- Simply hover over “Council & Elections” and click on “Elections and voting”
- Click on “Registering to Vote”
- Then go to the “How do I find out if I am on the electoral register?” section. They have provided their email address in this section: elections@hounslow.gov.uk
- Reach out to them through this email address with your name and current address included. You will be informed about your registration
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about electoral roll change of address
What happens if my address isn’t updated on the day of the elections/voting day?
To update your address, you must re-register before the deadline set by the electoral commission. Details on the electoral register are updated every first working day of each month, except for October and November.
If your details have not been updated on the day of the election, then you should go to the polling station that was allocated to you based on your previous address. This is the most convenient option that you can choose.
How do I remove someone from the electoral register at my address?
To remove someone from the electoral register, you will need to inform your local council if anyone who’s registered at your address has left or passed. Follow these steps to do so:
- Go to your local council’s website.
- Click on “See more council services”.
- Then click “Voting & elections”.
- Choose “The electoral register”.
- Click on “Remove yourself or someone else from the electoral register”.
Then click on “Next” and fill out the form and you’ll be done.
How does the open register differ from the electoral register?
Every registered voter in a public election is listed on the electoral register with their names and addresses. Electoral registers are used for various purposes, including making sure only eligible voters can vote.
An open register is a copy and extract of the electoral register that can be purchased by anyone, including companies, organizations, and government agencies. For instance, businesses and charities use it to confirm names and addresses.
What do I do if the wrong address is on my electoral roll?
In case a wrong address has been registered on the electoral roll under your name, you should re-register immediately to change your address.
How can I find a person on the electoral roll in the UK?
192.com is an online British people’s directory. Among the data it publishes are full names, addresses, and property values of people, places, and businesses. A database of electoral records and business directories is used to compile this information. To find a person on the electoral roll, follow these steps:
- Go to 192’s website
- In the top box, type the name and location of the person you are looking for.
- You can then click on “search”.
- Once you’ve found the person you’re looking for;
- In the first column, you will find the year the information was collected.
- The second column shows the town, county, and part of the postcode.
- In the third column, you will find a list of people who lived at the same address, including their partners and children.
To view the full information and address, you must pay a fee. However, the free information is usually enough to identify the other family members living at the address.
Conclusion
This comprehensive and complete guide should have answered all your questions on how to change your address on the electoral roll. Your address may be updated via mail, phone or online, at your pleasing and convenience! Dont forget to also change your address with TV Licence!
