Annual canvass - keeping the electoral register up-to-date

Who to include on the form

When you complete the annual electoral registration form, make sure you include:

  • All British, Republic of Ireland and qualifying Commonwealth citizens currently living in the property. A qualifying Commonwealth citizen is anyone who have leave to enter or remain in the UK, or who don't require such leave.
  • All citizens of European Union member states who are currently living in the property.
  • All 16 and 17 year olds. They'll be eligible to vote when they become 18, but not before.
  • Anyone who normally lives at your address but are temporarily away, for example on holiday, in hospital, as students. Students are entitled to register both at their home address and their term-time address and may vote in local elections in both areas. However, they may only vote once in the event of a Parliamentary election.
  • Anyone who is away working, unless they'll be away for more than 6 months of the year.
  • Any other residents, lodgers and guests - but not short stay visitors.

Who shouldn't be included on the form

You don't need to include:

  • Anyone not currently a resident at your address
  • Foreign nationals, except for European Union and qualifying Commonwealth citizens
  • People who won't be 18 by 1 December

Annual canvass related content