What is the electoral register

The electoral register, which is also known as the electoral role, is the list of names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections.

There are actually two registers:

• the 'full electoral register' is used for electoral purposes, like making sure that people are eligible to vote and other purposes such as checking applications for credit, jury service and detecting fraud
• the 'open register' (also known as the edited register) which is an extract of the electoral register

The open register can be bought by companies, organisations and individuals. Unless you ask for them to be removed, your name and address will be included in the open register. It is a simple process to remove your details from the open register and this does not affect your right to vote. 

You can request for your details to be removed from the open register by completing the online form below, sending an email to elections@westsuffolk.gov.uk or by writing to Electoral Services, West Suffolk Council, West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3YU. You will need to give us your name and address and tell us whether you want to be included or excluded from the open register.

Further details can be found on our Privacy Notice for Electoral Registration

Details on both registers can be found on the GOV.UK website.