Format of the revised register

When creating the layout of the register you must:

  • divide the register into polling districts
  • give each polling district a unique set of letters1   
  • give a number to each elector2   

The elector numbers should be allocated sequentially in each part of the register. The polling district letters and the number together are known as the elector number.

We have produced separate guidance on undertaking reviews of polling districts, polling places and polling stations.

Entries in the register for each ordinary elector must be arranged in street order and may only be arranged in alphabetical order by name or a mix of the two where it is not reasonably practicable to list them in street order.3

Franchise markers

Some electors may only vote in certain types of elections and their names must be prefixed in the register with certain letters:4  

LetterElector
F is an overseas elector who is only entitled to vote at UK Parliamentary elections.
B

is an elector who is either a

  • qualifying EU citizen
  • an EU citizen with retained rights

who is only entitled to vote at local government elections.

Gis a citizen of a member state of the European Union (except a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland) who is only entitled to vote at local government elections. This apply only to electors for whom you have not yet made a determination as to their eligibility under the new criteria.
Lis a peer eligible to vote in the House of Lords who is entitled to vote at local government elections.

Attainers

Some electors added to the register will be known as attainers. These electors are individuals who have not yet reached voting age but will do so before the next expected publication of the full register. A date will be given after these electors’ names to indicate when they will have attained the age where they can vote.    

Other electors

There must be a section after the ordinary electors in any polling district marked 'other electors', containing any special category electors who are not listed in the main body of the register listed by surname in alphabetical order without an address, followed by any anonymously registered electors.5  

Our guidance on special category electors sets out in detail how special category electors should be included on the register.

We have produced a resource showing an example of how the register should be formatted.

Example of the formatting for a sample electoral register in England
Diweddarwyd ddiwethaf: 22 Tachwedd 2024