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What is the Electoral Register?
The Electoral Register is a list, compiled by the council, of people eligible to vote in elections within Medway. The Electoral Registration Officer has a statutory duty to compile the register and keep it up to date by carrying out an annual canvass of households. By law, the council has to make the register available for anyone to look at. The register is available for inspection at the electoral registration office at:
Gun Wharf
Dock Road
Chatham
Kent ME4 4TR.
Until recently, any company, organisation or person could buy the register but the law has now changed, so you can choose whether or not you wish to have your name and address sold on to others. Under the changes there are two versions of the register, the full version and the edited version. The full version can only be supplied to others for certain purposes, such as elections, law enforcement and use by credit reference agencies. The edited version is available for general sale.
Census information cannot be used to collate information for the electoral register.
Why should I register to vote?
You can only vote at elections if your name is listed in the Electoral Register.
You have a democratic right to vote for your MEP, MP, local councillors and parish councillors and your vote can make a difference to the final outcome of an election.
You cannot obtain a student grant if you are not on the register and it is much harder to obtain credit.
All households are required by law to complete and return an Electoral Registration Form during the annual canvass each year. Those who do not could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Who can register?
To go on the electoral register you must be:
- 18 years old or more by 1 December of the following year and
- a British or Commonwealth citizen;
- a citizen of the Irish Republic or
- a citizen of another European Union state (citizens of EU member states other than British or Irish are only eligible to vote in local government elections).
How do I get on the Electoral Register?
Every autumn the Electoral Registration Officer will send a registration form to every household in Medway, followed one or maybe two reminders. When you receive the household registration form, you should amend any details as necessary and return it in accordance with the instructions on the form. Do not forget to indicate whether people in your household want to be included in the edited version of the register (the one available for sale).
Between December and August, an individual may apply to be added to the register or have their address details altered. This may be as a result of that individual moving home.
How does the Electoral Register relate to council tax?
The council tax register is quite separate, so paying council tax does not mean that you will automatically be on the Electoral Register.
What if I check the register and I am not on it?
Each elector is required to complete their own application form, which can be downloaded here in the following formats:
To use the pdf file, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer, please use our advice page.
How long does it take to get on the register?
Your application must reach the council for determination 18 days before the end of the month, if you wish to be included in the next update to the register.
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