Register to Vote

The Register of Electors

The Register of Electors is a list of the names and addresses of everyone in West Lindsey who is registered to vote.  If you do not register then you cannot exercise your democratic right to vote.  It is also much harder to obtain credit if you are not included on the register.

Annual Registration

Between mid-August and 15 October each year the annual canvass takes place.  During this period a registration form is delivered to every property within the District.  Once the information is returned it is collated and the registers are then published on 1 December.

Rolling Registration

It is now possible to change your details on the register e.g. if you move house during the year.  This means that you don’t have to wait until the annual canvass.

If you have moved since the last canvass, which was carried out in October 2011, you can re-register to vote by completing an application form.  We regret that owing to the fact that we require your signature the form cannot be completed online.  The application form includes a box in which applicants may signal their wish to opt-out of the edited register.  You can download a registration form in adobe pdf format below.  You need to complete the form and return it to us in the post or by hand.  If you are unable to print a copy please contact the electoral services section  and a form will be sent direct to you.

Two versions of the Register

The electoral registration officer publishes two versions of the electoral register - the full register and the edited register.

The Full Register - Lists the name and address of everyone who is registered to vote.  The main purpose of the full register if for use at elections and referendums.  However, Credit reference agencies are allowed to use it to check your name and address if you are applying for credit.  The register may also be used for law enforcement.

The Edited Register - Electors can decide not to have their name included in this copy of the register (Opt Out).  The edited register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose.  The edited register can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities.

Who can register?

You must be:

• over 16 (but you cannot vote until your 18th birthday)
• a British or Commonwealth citizen
• a citizen of the Irish Republic or of another European Union state
  

What happens if I’m a European Union citizen?

EU citizens (other than citizens of Britain or the Irish Republic) can only vote at local elections.  If you are not a citizen of Britain, the Commonwealth or the Irish Republic you must complete a separate form to vote at European Parliamentary elections here in West Lindsey.

What if I’m not able to vote in person?

Anyone can now apply to vote by post.  You may download a postal vote application form in adobe pdf format.   If you are blind or disabled or will be away from home during an election, you can apply for someone to vote for you.  You can download a proxy application form in adobe pdf format or contact electoral services section  for further information.

How do I find out if my name is on the electoral register?

Copies of the full register are available to inspect at the Guildhall or the Market Rasen Area Office.  Alternatively contact electoral services section  quoting your address and postcode.

Do I have to let you know if I move?

No, it is completely up to you.  If you don’t let us know you will still have a vote at your old address.  However, the annual registration update is compulsory.

I have informed the Council Tax section that I have moved why can’t you update the electoral register as well?

We are sorry but the regulations state that you must complete an electoral registration application form.

What if I change my name?

The application form can be used to update the register with your new name or you may notify us by letter.

Inspecting the Register of Electors

The Register of Electors is available for inspection at the Guildhall, Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough and at the Market Rasen Area Office, Festival Hall, Market Rasen.  Anyone can check that their name has been included or if they wish to make an objection to any entry on the Register.  To view full notification see the pdf attachment below.

In accordance with the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, the following rules apply to persons inspecting the register:

• The register is open to public inspection, under supervision.
• Extracts from the register may be recorded only by making hand written notes.  Photocopying or electronic recording are not permitted by law.
• Information taken from the register must not be used for direct marketing purposes (as per section 11(3) of the Data Protection Act 1998), unless the information has been published in the edited version of the register.
• Anyone who fails to observe these conditions is committing a criminal offence. The penalty is a find of up to £5000.

Purchase of the Edited Register

Only the edited version of the register is available for general sale.  It can be purchased in its entirety or in part and can be used for any purpose.  Prices are calculated as follows:-

•    In paper form - £10 admin fee plus £5 per 1000 entries in the Register
•    In data form - £20 admin fee plus £1.50 per 1000 entries in the Register

Application for copies of the register should be made to the electoral services section