Registering to vote FAQs
This list of Frequently Asked Questions helps people complete their Electoral Registration form.
1. You asked me for this information last year, why do you need the information again?
The law says that we have to compile a new register each year. This means that we must send out a new registration form to each household within the Borough.
2. Why can’t you take the details from the Council Tax or other records?
The law is very clear that we are not allowed to take names from the list of Council Tax payers or other records. Not everyone who is eligible to vote pays Council Tax or appears on other council records. Also not everyone who pays Council Tax is eligible to vote.
3. What’s the point – I don’t vote anyway
Voting is really important because it determines who your local Parish, Borough or County Councillor will be and who will represent you in Parliament. Also, most banks, building societies and other financial institutions use the Register of Electors as proof of identity. You may not be able to obtain credit if you are not on the register.
4. How do I get on the register?
Every household should have received a voter registration form. If you need to add or remove names or make other changes, simply make the amendments, sign the form and return it to the Town Hall. The law does not allow changes or amendments to be made by telephone or online.
If the details on the form are correct and there are no changes you can simply sign and return the form or you can register by telephone or via the online at the see the Electoral Reform Services website (opens in new window). Full instructions are included with the form.
Please remember if you register by telephone or internet there is no need to return the registration form to the Town Hall.
5. Why do I have to put my Nationality on the form?
The Government has asked us to request this information in order to make sure that only people eligible to register are included on the Register of Electors.
Those eligible are British, Irish Citizens, Citizens of another Member State of the European Union and qualifying Commonwealth citizens. Here is a list of Member States of the European Union and of Commonwealth Countries.
6. What is meant by the term qualifying Commonwealth citizen?
This means Commonwealth citizens who have leave to enter or remain in the UK; or do not require such leave.
7. I am a student and will be away at University where should I register?
A student can register at both their home and term time address. It is not an offence to be on more than one Register of Electors, however it is an offence to vote twice in the same election.
8. I shall be moving house before 15 October 2008 what should I do with the form?
If you are moving before the 15 October, please leave the form for the new occupiers of the property but delete the names of the people who will be moving.
9. I shall be moving house after 15 October 2008.
In this case please complete and return the form sent to your current address. After your move contact your new Council and ask to be put on their Register of Electors.
10. The form has the names of the previous occupants on it so its not my form
All the forms are sent out addressed to The Current Occupier. In these circumstances you should delete the names of the previous occupiers and add the names of the new occupiers. The form should then be signed and returned to the Electoral Registration Officer.
11. A form has been sent to my business premises
Complete the form by ticking the appropriate box in part B on the registration form. The form should be signed and then returned to the Electoral Registration Officer.
12. The property is empty and nobody will be resident on 15 October 2008
If there are any names on the form delete them if the property will be empty on 15 October. The appropriate box should be ticked in part B on the registration form. The form should then be signed and then returned to the Electoral Registration Officer.
13. My name is incorrectly spelt on the form or I have just recently changed my name
Amend the details, sign and then return the form. There is no need to send any supporting documents such as Marriage Certificates.
14. I do not understand what is meant by the term ‘Full Register’
The full register lists everyone who is entitled to vote. Only certain people and organisations can have copies of the full register and they can only use it for specified purposes. The main use for the full register is for elections and referendums, but it can be used for other purposes such as the prevention and detection of crime and for checking your identity when you have applied for credit.
15. I do not understand what is meant by the term ‘Edited Register’
The edited register leaves out the names and addresses of people who have asked for them to be excluded from that version of the register.
The edited register can be purchased by anyone who asks for a copy and they may use it for any purpose. To remove a name from the edited tick the appropriate box on part 1 of the registration form.
Contact the Council
- email customer.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
- call the Help Line on 01737 276000.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
customer.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is not responsible for the content of external sites.
