How to register to vote

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.

Voter registration

Prior to October, if you wish to get yourself added to the electoral register, you can do so via the About My Vote website.  The form needs to be signed so you will need access to a printer to use this site.

If you don't have access to a printer contact the Elections Office to request an application form be posted out to you.

 Register to vote via the My Vote website

Annual canvass

Between 1st October 2013 and February 2014 we will carry out a canvass of all the addresses in the city and a canvass registration form will be sent to every household in Liverpool.  

When you receive the form you should complete any changes and return it as soon as possible. Changes may include adding voters at your address or updating your details.

If there are no changes you can register by telephone or the internet using the details and security codes printed on your form.

The updated register will be published on 17th February 2014.

Paying Council Tax does not mean that you will be registered to vote. You must complete the form sent out to you to ensure you are registered.

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, you can request an application form below.

• Request an application form to vote by post.

If you don't have access to a printer, contact us and we will post one to you.

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.