How to register

The electoral register is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote.  If you are not on the register, you cannot vote.

How do I register?

Between mid August to the end of November each year we carry out a canvass of all the addresses in the city.  You will receive a registration form, which you should complete and return as soon as possible.  You can use the form to add voters at the address or update your details.  The updated electoral register is published on 1 December each year.

If you fail to complete the form by November, you can register between 1 December and mid-August on the About My Vote website by using the button below.  

 Register to vote via the My Vote website

Why should I register?

• The information is required by law.
• If you are not registered, you cannot vote in elections.
• You may find it difficult to get credit, loans, a mortgage or bank account as the register is used by credit reference agencies.

Can anyone register to vote?

• You must be resident in the electoral area.
• You must be a British, Irish, Commonwealth citizen or citizen of a European Union country.
• You must be 18 or over, or must attain the age of 18 during the life of the registering period.
• Electors under 18 who are registered will have a birthday card sent to them from Electoral Services on their 18th birthday.
• You must not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote.

Postal voting

Anyone can request to vote by post, instead of going to a polling station, providing you appear on the electoral register.  

If you do wish to vote by post, your application form must be completed and received at the elections office no later than 5pm on Wednesday,18 April. 

• Request an application form to vote by post or phone 0151 233 3028.

If you do have a postal vote you will receive your ballot papers on or around Tuesday, 24 April. If you have not received your postal ballot paper by 27 April, please call the Elections Helpline on 0151 233 3028.

To vote, please follow the instructions you receive with your postal pack and return your completed ballot papers and security statement as soon as possible.

 Don’t forget to make sure that your signature and date of birth are on the security statement and that the statement is returned to us with your ballot papers.

You must ensure that you return your ballot papers by 10pm on Election Day, or your vote will not be counted.

Proxy voting

A proxy vote means that you appoint someone to vote on your behalf if you are unable to get to the polling station on Election Day, providing you appear on the electoral register.

Request an application form to vote by proxy or contact us.

The electoral register

What are the full and edited registers?

The full register lists the name and address of everyone who is registered to vote. It is used for law enforcement and by credit reference agencies, but only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit and other purposes specified in the law.

The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose and be bought by anyone – including for marketing purposes. You can opt out of appearing on the edited register when completing your registration form.

Viewing the register

You can inspect the full electoral register at any time at Central Library or by appointment at Municipal Buildings.  Call 225 3173 to book an appointment.

• Inspection of the register will be under supervision.
• You can take extracts from the register, but only by hand written notes.
• Information taken must not be used for direct marketing purposes, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, unless it has been published in the edited version.

Anyone who fails to observe these conditions is committing a criminal offence and will be charged a penalty of up to £5,000.