The Electoral Register
More information about the full and open registers and the annual canvass
The Electoral Register
The electoral register is the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used by elections staff, political parties, candidates to enforce the law and prevent crime. All eligible electors are included on the electoral register. There are two versions - the full register and the open (edited) register.
The full register
This includes all eligible electors who are registered to vote. It is available for public inspection under supervision during normal office hours.
The open (edited) register
This is an extract of the electoral register which can be bought by any person, company or organisation. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed by:
- Contact Elections
- writing to Electoral Services, High Peak Borough Council, Buxton Town Hall, Market Place, Buxton, SK17 6EL
- calling customer services on 0345 129 4851
Viewing the register
The full register of electors is available for public inspection, under supervision, at Buxton Town Hall, Market Place, Buxton, SK17 6EL.
You are allowed to make handwritten notes, but are not allowed to copy or photograph any part of the register. Any search facility for the full register of electors should be by address only and not by name, as this is specifically prohibited in the regulations.
The annual canvass
The annual canvass takes place every year to make sure the details on the electoral register are correct.
The canvass usually begins in July when each household receives a Household Enquiry Form asking them to update the details on the form. The canvass finishes when the revised register is published on 1 December.
It is a legal requirement to respond to the annual canvass. If you don't respond, or you provide false information on the form, you may be liable to a fine of £1,000.
Being on the council Tax register does not automatically mean you are on the electoral register. These are two completely separate registers.