Opt out from open register

Information on the electoral register, the open register and how to remove your details from the open register.

The Electoral Registration Officer keeps two registers - the electoral register, and the open register (previously known as the edited register).

The only details that appear (on either register) are your name, address and a marker that determines which elections you can vote in.

If you are under 18, the date of your eighteenth birthday will also be shown.

Any contact details you give us will not be supplied to any third party companies and will only be used for contacting you about your electoral registration.

The electoral register

The electoral register is:

• a public document and lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections.
• used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote.
• used for legal purposes, such as preventing fraud, calling people for jury service and checking credit applications.

The personal data on the electoral register must always be processed in line with data protection legislation.

It is a criminal offence to supply or use the register for any reason other than those set out in law.

The open register

The open register is:

• an extract of the electoral register which can be bought by any person, company or organisation. Businesses and charities might buy the open register to use for marketing purposes.

Opting out of the open register

When you register to vote, you will have the choice to 'opt out' from appearing on the open register, or to 'opt in'.

If you are already registered to vote, you can change your opt out preference at any time by emailing optout@guildford.gov.uk or sending us a written request to:

Electoral Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

When requesting to change your open register preference, please include your full name, address and tell us whether you would like your details to be included or excluded from appearing on the open register.

Opting out will not affect your right to vote, or your credit rating.