Keeping the Electoral Register up-to-date - Print version

How do you keep the electoral register up to date?

If you move address you should register to vote at your new address which can be done at http://www.gov.uk/registertovote [https://www.gov.uk/registertovote] or by emailing electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk] with the names of everyone who has moved into the property over the age of 16.

Each year the Electoral Registration Officer is required to undertake the annual canvass.  This involves sending a form to every household, asking residents to check the information we hold is correct, even if you have recently registered to vote, the house is empty, or you have just moved. This is so we can make sure everyone is registered to vote.

Why has a canvasser visited my address?

We currently have canvassers door knocking to help you to register to vote.

Where we become aware of a person residing at an address, we must send them an invitation to register and if we do not get a response, we then must send reminders. If no response is received after the reminder letters have been sent, we are legally obligated to make a personal visit.

If you receive a visit from one of our canvassers this means we are aware that you reside at the address, but you are not yet registered. The canvasser will be able to complete your application to register using their mobile tablet and taking details such as your date of birth and national insurance number, this will then be sent for verification and the electoral services team will let you know once your application has been successful.

Why have I received a calling card?

If you have received a card this means that the canvasser has visited your address, but you were not available to speak to them, they will visit a second time to try again.

In the meantime, you can go online and complete your registration [https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote].

Canvassers will wear uniforms and have name badges on display when visiting your address to collect this information from you. If you have any concerns regarding a visit, please contact Electoral Services.

When will my credit record be updated?

The updated full register was published on 1 December 2023.

Credit agencies are allowed by law to purchase the full published version of the register for credit checking purposes. There are a number of credit reference agencies in the country that buy our electoral registers.

Please keep in mind it can sometimes take a number of weeks after the new register has been published for the agencies to make their purchases across the county, but if you have any queries regarding your file or notice any inaccuracies on your credit report from any of these agencies, you will need to contact them directly as we are unable to assist.

Monthly updates

Credit agencies also receive monthly register updates.

Applications need to be received before the deadline date to be included in the next monthly update. If you make your application after this deadline, you will be added to the register in the following month.

Application deadline dates for 2024

• 10 January for 1 February 2024
• 8 February for 1 March 2024
• 11 March for 2 April 2024
• 9 April for 1 May 2024
• 16 April for 2 May 2024 (for election purposes only)
• 10 May for 3 June 2024
• 7 June for 1 July 2024
• 10 July for 1 August 2024
• 9 August for 2 September 2024
• 9 September for 1 October 2024
• 10 October for 1 November 2024

Publication of the full revised register will be done on 1 December 2024.