Data protection guidance for Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers

Data protection considerations for the inspection of the electoral register

We have produced a cover sheet for the inspection of the register which sets out how it may be used and the penalty for misuse.

You should maintain records of every person or organisation supplied with the electoral register and absent voting lists, not just those who pay to receive it.  

You should ensure that every person/organisation receiving the register, whether on publication, by sale, or on request, is aware that:

  • they must only use the register for the purpose(s) specified in the Regulations permitting its supply
  • once the purpose for which the register has been supplied has expired, they must securely destroy the register
  • they understand penalty for misuse of the register

We have included the information suggested above in the following cover sheets for the sale and supply on request of the electoral register:

Last updated: 22 February 2023