News releases

As the pre-election campaigning begins, the Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is warning everyone who wants to have their say in the 2010 General Election to make sure they are registered to vote.

Says Commission Chair Jenny Watson: “Research published after the last General Election estimates that about three and a half million people who were eligible to vote were not registered. The evidence coming through since then suggests the picture isn't getting any better.

"If you’re not registered, you can’t vote – it’s very simple. Take a few minutes now to make sure that you are able to have your say on election day. You can print off a registration form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

“Many people assume they are automatically on the electoral register if they pay council tax or if they have voted before. This is not the case: you need to register every year. And if you have moved house, even within the same borough, you need to re-register with your new address.

“So if you want to vote in the General Election, now’s the time to act and make sure nothing stops you.”

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For further information, election-related photographs, or to arrange an interview (the Commission has an ISDN line), contact the Electoral Commission press office on 0207 271 0704. Out of office hours 07789 920414.
Email press@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. This research was published after the General Election in 2005 and the 3.5m figure refers to eligible electors in England and Wales who were not registered
2. A General Election can be called at any time, with a minimum of 17 working days between the announcement and polling day, potentially giving voters only a few days to register if they wait until the election is called.
3. You can register to vote if you are a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth citizen. You can also register if you are an EU citizen resident in the UK as you are eligible to vote in local elections - but not the General Election. British citizens living abroad can also register to vote as long as they have been on the electoral register at a UK address no more than 15 years ago. There are also special provisions for those serving abroad to vote – for more information, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
4. Those who may not be able to vote at their local polling station for any reason can apply now for a postal vote or proxy vote (where someone you trust casts your vote for you). For more information, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
5. Although you cannot vote until you are 18, you can join the electoral register from the age of 16.