Why do I need to register to vote?
If you don't register then you can't vote in an election and it is much harder to obtain credit. You can add your name to the register at any time throughout the year.
You are required by law to give the information asked for in the form.
How long does it take to register?
The register is updated on a monthly basis, but it can take up to seven weeks for your name to appear on the register.
When you send us your completed, signed form we will add you to our list of new applications. Any elector can then object to your name being added to the electoral register. If this happens we will write to you. If there is no objection we will change your details within seven weeks of receiving your form and this will be confirmed in writing to you.
The rules are slightly different in the run up to an election however, and you can register up to 11 working days before polling day.
The Registration and publication dates for 2013 are shown below.
Date of publication for given registration deadlines
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Date form received by
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Date Register is Updated
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11 December 2012
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2 January 2013
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10 January 2013
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1 February 2013
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7 February 2013
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1 March 2013
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11 March 2013
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2 April 2013
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17 April 2013
(Deadline to register for May 2nd Election)
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25 April 2013
(Election update for May 2nd)
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10 May 2013
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3 June 2013
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7 June 2013
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1 July 2013
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10 July 2013
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1 August 2013
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9 August 2013
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2 September 2013
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What if I am homeless or living in temporary accommodation?
If you are homeless or living in temporary or long-term hostel accommodation, you are still entitled to vote, providing you are eligible.
There are two ways of doing this depending on your situation. If you have lived, and will be living, in relatively stable accommodation for a year or longer it is possible to register in the usual way.
If your situation is less stable, for example if you are sleeping rough or in short-term emergency accommodation, you can register to vote by declaration of local connection. This means that you can register at any location where you spend a large proportion of your time. This can be a day centre, a doorway, a project base, shop or café, etc.
You will need to complete a form, available from our offices, and return it to us. This registration will last for up to a year and will need to be renewed every year. You need to provide an address where you can collect mail, or alternatively, you can collect it from us.
Can I register anonymously?
The law allows you to be able to register anonymously if you would be at risk of danger if your name and address where to appear in the register of electors.
This means that only an electoral number would be shown in the register under a separate section. All electoral documents would be treated in strict confidence and not available to the general public. Application forms and further information can be obtained from us. This also applies to any person living in the same household as another person who is at risk.
Who can look at the electoral register?
There are two versions of the electoral register, the full version and the edited version.
The full electoral register
The full register is used for elections, preventing and detecting crime, and checking applications for credit. Every electors details will appear on the full register. It is public document which can be viewed by anyone, under supervision, at our offices.
The edited electoral register
The edited version of the register can be bought by anyone who asks for a copy and they may use it for any purpose, such as marketing. It is also held in local libraries. You can choose whether or not to appear on this register by making the appropriate selection on the forms you complete.
Who is the Electoral Registration Office?
The Electoral Registration Office carries out the statutory function of preparing and publishing the Register of Electors for Hertsmere.
Its functions are governed by various laws, principally the Local Government Act 1972 and the Representation of the People Act 1983.
For electoral purposes Hertsmere is divided into 15 wards, which are further sub-divided into 48 polling districts.
What if I am unable to get to the polling station on election day?
If you know in advance you will be unable to go to your polling station on election day, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy .