Running electoral registration - England

Who may apply and how should applications be processed?

Prisoners on remand and patients in mental health hospitals who are registered at their place of custody or hospital must supply the same information as for an ordinary application.1  

Acknowledging applications

There is no legal requirement for an application to be acknowledged although you do have discretion to send an acknowledgement. In all cases, you are required to send a confirmation if the application is successful, as set out below.

Verifying applications

All applications and declarations should be processed and the applicant’s identity verified as soon as possible after receipt. 

If you receive an application where the qualifying address falls outside your area it should be forwarded to the relevant ERO without delay.

Any applicant who fails the DWP match must provide documentary evidence, or if they cannot provide documentary evidence, an attestation in the same way as people applying to register as an ordinary elector.

Confirming applications and declarations 

If you have determined that an applicant is entitled to be registered, you must confirm to them in writing that their registration application has been successful.2   

You should also include, alongside the confirmation letter, information on any absent voting arrangements that are in place. If no arrangements are in place you should make clear what the absent voting options are. 

If you have rejected a registration application, you must notify the applicant and inform them of the reasons why.