Register to vote
Register to vote
It is now too late to register to vote for the elections on Thursday 3 May, but you can still register to vote in future elections.
What is the register of electors?
The register of electors is a list of everyone who is registered to vote in the borough. Between August and December each year, voter registration forms are delivered to all households in the borough. The information given to us on the forms is used to update the register and a new register is published on 1 December.
We make two versions of the register. The full register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. We have a copy of this register. Anyone can look at it, but it is a criminal offence to give, or use, copies of it for purposes other than those set down in law. You can see more information on the aboutmyvote website.
We use the full register to show who can vote in elections and referendums. Credit reference agencies can use the register, but only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit and for other purposes as set out in law. It can also be used to help stop crime.
Anyone can buy a copy of the edited register and can use it for any purpose. It can be used for commercial activities such as marketing. To find out if your name is on the edited register phone us on 0191 424 7230 or email elections@southtyneside.gov.uk
What is rolling registration?
Once the new register is published we update it at the beginning of each month between January and September, this is called rolling registration. We do not update the register in October and November as we are preparing the new register which is published on 1 December.
| If we receive your form by: | Your details will be added or changed on: |
| Monday 12 December 2011 | Tuesday 3 January 2012 |
| Tuesday 10 January 2012 | Wednesday 1 February 2012 |
| Wednesday 8 February 2012 | Thursday 1 March 2012 |
| Friday 9 March 2012 | Monday 2 April 2012 |
| Wednesday 18 April 2012 | Thursday 26 April 2012 |
| Thursday 10 May 2012 | Friday 1 June 2012 |
| Friday 8 June 2012 | Monday 2 July 2012 |
| Tuesday 10 July 2012 | Wednesday 1 August 2012 |
| Friday 10 August 2012 | Monday 3 September 2012 |
Are you registered to vote?
To find out if you are registered to vote, phone us on 0191 424 7230 or email elections@southtyneside.gov.uk
If you are not registered we will send you a rolling registration form. You can also download a copy of the rolling registration form, fill it in and post it to the Electoral Registration Office at the address printed on the form.
Why should I register?
As well as being able to vote, there are other reasons why your name should be on the register of electors:
- Credit checks - Credit reference agencies and banks use the register of electors to check your identity when you apply for credit. If you are not on the register of electors, you may be refused a bank account, loan, credit card or mortgage
- Jury Service - The register of electors is used to call people for jury service. Studies show that fewer younger people and people from ethnic minorities register to vote. The result is that they are under-represented in the judicial system
Can anyone register to vote?
- You must live in the borough
- You must be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the European Union (add link to commonwealth and EU countries)
- You must be 18 years of age or over OR must turn 18 during the life of the register
Postal voting
You can apply for a postal vote for any reason, for example you are on holiday, working away or can't manage to get to your polling station. Phone us on 0191 424 7230 or email elections@southtyneside.gov.uk for an application form.
