The way we all register to vote has changed

The Council is responsible for preparing the Register of Electors for West Lancashire.

You can only vote in elections if your name is on the register of electors. 

The way we all register to vote has changed

The registration system changed in June 2014.  The system is called 'Individual Electoral Registration'.

How is the system different?
  • You can now register online (external site)
  • Everyone is responsible for registering themselves.  Under the old system the 'head of every household' could register everyone who lived at their address.
  • Now you need to provide a few more details to register - including your national insurance number and date of birth.  This makes the electoral register more secure.
How do I register under the new system?
  1. Register online (external site)
  2. Fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details.  You'll also need your national insurance number, which can be found on your national insurance card, or other official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits.
  3. Look out for a confirmation to say you're registered.
Will I need to do anything?
  • Look out for a letter from mid July

Most people who are already registered to vote will be registered automatically under the new system. They do not need to do anything.  However, some people will need to take action to join the new register.  We are writing to people to tell them whether they need to take action.

  • Respond to the letter if you are asked to.

The letter will tell you whether you are on the new register or whether you need to take action.  It will tell you what to do.

Public servants posted overseas

There are separate registration services for public servants, their spouses and civil partners who are likely to be posted overseas.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces, a Crown servant a British Council employee, or a spouse or registered civil partner  you can register to vote.

British citizens living overseas

If you are a British citizen living abroad, you can apply to be an overseas voter.  

When you send us your form we will add you to our list of new applications. Any elector can then object to your name being added to the register. If this happens we will write to you.

If your application is not objected to, we will change your details within two to six weeks of receiving your form. We will write to tell you when your application is allowed.

Citizens of  EU countries outside the UK and Republic of Ireland

EU citizens can vote in local elections and European Parliamentary elections, except for citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta who are eligible to vote in all elections.

To vote in European Parliamentary elections in the UK rather than your home country you must also have filled in an additional form.  If you are unsure please check with the elections office, tel 01695 585014 or e-mail [email protected] 

 

If you have moved recently

If you have moved recently please tell us so we can send you a Household Registration form, or alternatively go to www.register-to-vote (external link).  

If you have moved from another borough and have just registered, we will also tell the Electoral Registration Officer for your old address that you have moved, so that your name can be removed from that register. People who live at two homes (including students) are allowed to register at both. If you do not want to be removed from your other address please explain why on your form.  

There are special rules about names being added to the voters' list during an election period.      

 Related Information

 

Contact

Elections Office

Elections office
West Lancashire Borough Council
52 Derby Street
Ormskirk Lancs
L39 2DF

Elections enquiry form

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 01695 585014

Fax: 01695 585050