Register to vote

Who can register to vote?

You can register to vote if you are:

  • 16 or older, although you can’t actually vote until you are 18
  • a British citizen 
  • an Irish, qualifying Commonwealth, or European Union citizen living in the UK

 Register to vote at GOV.UK

The electoral register  

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. It is used to make sure only those who are entitled to, are able to vote.

If you move house, you will need to complete a new application for your new address. 

You’ll need your National Insurance number. If you don’t have one, you can still register and we will contact you for further evidence.

Once your application to register to vote has been processed and determined, your name will be added on to the register at the address you provide. You will be sent a letter confirming your addition to the register.

The electoral register is a legal document and access to the information within it is restricted. The full register is used for election purposes and sent to political parties and credit reference agencies upon request.

You can view a paper copy of the electoral register at the council offices by making an appointment with the Electoral Services Team by emailing electoral.registration@bedford.gov.uk.

The open register

The open register is an extract of the electoral register but it is not used for elections. By law, 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 from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

View the full privacy statement for registering to vote.

Please email electoral.registration@bedford.gov.uk to remove your details from the open register.