Elections

What is the Electoral Register?

The Electoral Register is a list 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 register is to be made available for anyone to look at. The register is available for inspection at:

Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre
Civic Centre
Strood
Rochester
Kent ME2 4AU

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 for 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?

We are currently carrying out the annual audit of households.  A registration form has been sent 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).

If you moved to your medway address after 15 October 2009, your details can be added to the Register after 1 December. Contact the office (details below) for the form.

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.

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