Overview
There are 2 versions of the electoral register - the full version and the ‘open register’.
You can find out more information about both registers and how they may be used at gov.uk/electoral-register.
Electoral register
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 or credit
- jury summoning
- campaigning activities, for example:
- candidates and political parties sending election communications to voters
- surveying opinions
- fundraising.
Open Register
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 businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.
How to remove your 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.
You can remove your details by completing our electoral enquiry form or contacting us by email or post.
If you are concerned that having your name or address on the register may affect your safety, there could be other options available to you. In certain circumstances, you can register without your name and address showing on the register.
To find out more, you can contact us by completing our electoral enquiry form contacting us by email or post.
How to see the electoral register
You can view the Register of Electors at the BCP Council customer contact centre:
BCP Council Civic Centre
Bourne Avenue
Bournemouth
BH2 6DY.
A supervisor must be present and you can't take a copy.
Wherever possible please book a pre-arranged appointment by calling us on 01202 123 400.
Rolling Registration and the Annual Canvass
You can register to vote at any time during the year, however there are deadlines for each monthly update. If you’re not sure whether you are on the register, or if your information needs updating you can complete our electoral enquiry form or contact us by email or phone.
The electoral registration officer has to carry out an annual canvass.
The annual canvass helps us to make sure that anyone who moved during the year, and didn’t apply to be on the register, is not missed off when the revised register is published, by December 1st.