The Electoral Register

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:

• Emailing electoral.services@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk
• writing to Electoral Services, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Moorlands House, Stockwell Street, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6HQ
• calling customer services on 0345 605 3010

Viewing the register

The full register of electors is available for public inspection, under supervision, at our Leek Office, Moorlands House, Stockwell Street and Biddulph Town Hall.

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.