Register to vote
Please note, the registration period for the 2023 local elections has now ended. If you register now you will be able to vote in elections that take place after 4 May 2023.
If you are eligible to register then you should add your details to the electoral register as soon as you can. As part of the application, you will need to provide your:
- Full name
- Full address
- Your date of birth
- Your nationality
- Your National Insurance number
Not being registered can not only affect your ability to vote, but can also affect things such as your credit score and ability to get credit for purchases (such as for a mobile phone contract).
To register to vote in the UK, you must be a British, Irish Republic, Commonwealth or European Union citizen living in the UK. You can register when you’re 16 or over, but you can’t vote until you are 18.
To complete an online application, please visit gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Please note that if you are not a British citizen, there are some types of election and referendums you might not be able to vote in. More information about voting entitlement is available on the government’s website.
What if I don’t know my National Insurance number?
If you have lost or are not sure of your National Insurance number, you can visit the government’s website and ask for a replacement to be sent to you.
If you have any other problems with providing the required information to register, please get in touch with the Elections team for further assistance.
What if my details have changed?
If you have moved home, you need to register again at your new home, even if it’s in the same area as your old home. You will also need to reapply for any absent votes that you had in place, such as a postal vote.
If you have recently changed your name, you can submit a new application at gov.uk/register-to-vote to update your details, or you can contact the Elections team using the details below.
Can I help someone else register?
You can help a friend or relative register to vote if you have their date of birth, address and National Insurance number.
If they also need help voting, they could apply to vote by post, but will need to be able to provide a consistent signature. If they are unable to do so, they may be eligible to apply for a waiver. Please contact the Elections team for further guidance.
Alternatively, they could have somebody vote on their behalf at the polling station.
How can I check if I’m already registered to vote?
If you do not know whether you are registered to vote, please contact us using the details below. We’ll need to know your full name and address in order to check.
Contact us - Electoral services
01235 422528
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE