Who we share your information with

We share information only when the law allows us to. This page explains how the electoral register is used and who can access it.

Registration officers keep two registers:

• the electoral register (the full register)
• the open register (the edited register)

Electoral register

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections.

It is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure that only eligible people can vote. It is also used for limited purposes set out in law, such as:

• detecting crime (for example, fraud)
• calling people for jury service
• checking credit applications

The register is published once a year, usually on 1 December, and is updated regularly throughout the year.

The full register can only be supplied to specific people and organisations who are legally entitled to receive it.

The use of the full register is set out in legislation.

It is an offence:

• to use the register for any purpose other than the purpose for which for it was supplied
• for anyone with a copy of the full register to pass on information if the recipient does not have a lawful reason to access it

A full list of people who can access the register, and how they may use it, is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Inspecting the electoral register

Anyone can inspect the electoral register.

Inspection:

• must take place under supervision
• allows handwritten notes only
• must not be used for direct marketing unless the information appears in the open register
• must follow legal conditions; failure to do so is a criminal offence

Open register

The open register is an extract of the electoral register. It is not used for elections.

It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.

Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed.

Removing your details does not affect your right to vote.

Sharing information with service providers

We may share your information with our software providers and contracted printers.

They will only use your information under our instruction and for the purpose of helping us to discharge our statutory duties.

They will not use it for any other purpose and will securely dispose of the information once they no longer need it.

Identity verification

To verify your identity, the data you provide will be processed by the Individual Electoral Registration Digital Service, which is managed by the Cabinet Office.

As part of this process, your data will be shared with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and with Cabinet Office suppliers that act as data processors for the Individual Electoral Registration Digital Service.

Contact details

Any contact details you give us will be stored securely and will not be passed on to anyone else.

We will only use them to contact you about your entry on the electoral register.

Information we must share by law

The Electoral Registration Officer has a legal obligation to share some information. This includes absent voter information and copies of the marked register.

The marked register shows whether someone has voted, but not how or for whom they have voted.

This information can be supplied to:

• elected representatives
• election candidates
• political parties
• the Electoral Commission
• police forces and similar bodies

The marked register is also available for inspection in certain circumstances.

The Returning Officer is legally obliged to publish certain personal information in public notices. This includes information relating to election candidates and agents, and to people who have subscribed to nomination papers.

Page last updated: 24 April 2026