Register to vote

Registering to vote means that you can vote in elections and referendums.

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. It is a legal requirement to register to vote if you are asked to do so.

If you have moved, you will need to register to vote at your new address. Paying Council Tax will not automatically register you to vote.

The quickest and easiest way is to register online at GOV.UK - you'll be asked to enter your:

• name
• current address, and previous address if you've recently moved
• nationality
• date of birth
• national insurance number

If your application is valid, we'll write to you to confirm you've been added to the Electoral Register.

If you require a paper form to register or need help or advice, please get in touch with the Electoral Services.

What if I have more than one address

If you split your time between two addresses, for example if you're a student with a home address and a term-time address, you can register to vote at both addresses, as long as they're not both in the Charnwood area.

You must live at both addresses for some of the time, and not rent out either property. At a local council election you can vote in both places. In a general election you must choose to vote in one place only.

Can I vote anonymously?

It is possible to ask to register anonymously for reasons of safety, for example: if you are escaping violence or have a job that puts you at risk from other people for instance.

You’ll need documentary evidence like a court order or an injunction, or written support from a relevant organisation. 

Am I already registered?

If you're not sure if you have already registered to vote, you can contact Electoral Services to find out.

Electoral registration is separate from other parts of the council.