Electoral register
The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone registered to vote.
It is also used to:
- call people for jury service
- detect crime
- check credit applications.
There are two versions - the full electoral register and the open register, which is sometimes called the edited register.
The 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 from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
Opt out of the open register
If you're registering to vote on the form sent to you in the post make sure you tick the box to opt out in the open register section. You can also opt out when you register online through Gov.UK.
If you are already currently registered in the open register and you wish to opt out you can use this form to let us know. We will remove your details within 28 working days and confirm this in writing to you.
Privacy notice
We will use the information provided by you for electoral purposes.
The basis under which we use personal data for this purpose is Public Task. To verify your identity, the data you provide will be processed by the Individual Electoral Registration Digital Service managed by the Cabinet Office. As part of the process your data will be shared with the Department of Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Office suppliers that are data processors for the Individual Electoral Registration Digital Service. You can find more information about this process and your data here.
The information provided by you includes the following special categories of personal data:
- physical or mental health
- ethnicity.
Information in the above category is used by us on the basis that such use is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest, and in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018.
The information that you have provided will be kept in accordance with our retention schedule, which can be found in our privacy notice.
Information about your rights and our Data Protection Officer (DPO) can be found on our detailed privacy notice, which can be found on our website or requesting a copy by post:
Data Protection Officer
Ashfield District Council
Urban Road
Kirkby in Ashfield
Nottingham
NG17 8DA.
Other ways to opt out or check the register
If you're currently listed and want your details removed from the open register, or you want to check if you're on the electoral register at all, you can let us know by:
- online form
- email: regelec@ashfield.gov.uk
- telephone: 01623 457 321.