Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

Applying for a copy of the electoral register and the lists of absent voters

Copies of the electoral register and lists of absent voters can be obtained from the Electoral Registration Officer. You can find their contact details on our website.

The request must be made in writing1 and we have made a register request form and an absent voters’ lists request form available for this purpose.


The register and lists will be supplied in electronic format unless you specifically request a paper copy.

The version of the electoral register and lists supplied will be the ones current at the time of your request. You may also request the updates to the electoral registers and lists that are published in the lead-up to the poll, including the list of newly registered electors when it is published five working days before the poll.

Any person found breaching the restrictions on use of the electoral register could face an unlimited fine. For more information see our guidance on restrictions on the use of the electoral register.

Last updated: 1 December 2023