The Register of Electors, sometimes called the 'electoral roll' or the 'electoral register', lists the names and addresses of everyone who's registered to vote. It's normally published on 1 December each year and is in force until 30 November the following year.
The published register is also updated monthly with any additions, deletions and amendments.
There are 2 versions of the register:
- the Full Register of Electors
- the Open Register of Electors - previously known as the Edited Register of Electors
Viewing the current Full Register of Electors
The Full Register of Electors lists the names of everyone who is registered to vote.
The current register is available to view at West Offices or York Explore Library.
Anyone can view this register by appointment and under supervision. You are permitted to take handwritten notes from the register only; photocopying or electronic recording, including photographs, are not permitted. Information taken from this must not be used for direct marketing purposes.
Anyone who fails to observe these conditions is committing a criminal offence and could be fined up to £5000.
Buying the Full Register of Electors
Section 114 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 allows only legally registered credit reference agencies to buy a copy of the Full Register of Electors, each year when it's published. This is to help with fraud checking - these agencies cannot pass on your details if you have opted out of the open register.
To purchase a copy of the register, an agency must be registered under Part III of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (by virtue of section 147 of that Act).
Credit Reference Agencies wishing to purchase copies of the full register should contact Electoral Services.
Buying the Open Register of Electors
The open Register of Electors contains only the names of electors who have not opted-out from it when registering.
The open register can be bought by any person, company, or organisation for any purposes. For example, it can be used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the open register, contact Electoral Services.
Historic copies of the register
Only the current Register of Electors is available for public inspection. Electoral Services cannot provide information from historic copies of the register.
Historic versions of the register are held at York Explore Archive and the British Library Archive.
Also see