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The Electoral Register, Explained

The two registers councils keep, why they exist, and how to make sure you can vote.

Every local authority in the UK keeps an electoral register: a list of everyone in the area who is entitled to vote. Without being on the register you cannot vote, even if you are eligible by nationality and age. Registration is now done individually online; you no longer rely on a household form.

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There are two versions of the register. The full register is used only for elections, jury selection and the prevention of crime. The "open register" is a separate, optional version that is sold to companies and organisations and which you can opt out of without losing the right to vote.

You can register from age 16 (you can vote at 18 in most elections, and in some at 16). Your local council issues a poll card before each election telling you where and when to vote. The exam may ask the minimum voting age, who maintains the register, or how to register to vote.

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