The electoral and open register

The different registers

Like all registration offices, we keep two registers - the electoral register and the open register (previously known as the edited register).

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections and is also used for calling people for jury service, preventing and detecting crime and checking applications for credit. It is not sold on to anyone. Credit Reference agencies may only use it to check the customer's name and address if applying for credit and for other purposes specified in law.

The open register is an extract of the electoral register but it is not used for elections. It may be purchased in whole or in part by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.