Opting out of the edited register
You can opt out of the edited (open) register under section 11, Data Protection Act 2018 by completing the opt out form.
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Alternatively, you may send an email to electoral.registration@rbwm.gov.uk stating your full name, address with a brief statement outlining your wish to opt out of the edited (open) register.
If you are opted out of the open register and wish to opt back in - this means your name and address can be sold to anyone for any purpose - then you should send an email to electoral.registration@rbwm.gov.uk or telephone 01628 796306 or 01628 682937.
Information about the two registers
There are two electoral registers. Using information received from the public, the electoral registration officer keeps two registers - the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).
The electoral register
The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections.
The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as:
- detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
- calling people for jury service
- checking credit applications.
The open register
The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but it is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by business and charities to send marketing documents. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote and should not affect your ability to obtain credit.
If you are concerned that having your name or address on the register may affect your safety, there could be other options available to you. In certain circumstances, you can register without your name and address showing on the register. To find out more, please contact the electoral registration office via the helpline below or calling 01628 796306 or 682937 or by sending an email to electoral.registration@rbwm.gov.uk
You can find out more information about both registers and how they may be used at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Privacy statement
We only use the information you give us for electoral purposes. We will look after personal information securely and we will follow the data protection legislation. We will not give personal information about you or any personal information you may provide on other people to anyone else or another organisation unless we have to by law.
The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the electoral registration officer as set out in the Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.
Some of the information that is collected in this form is classified as special category personal data. This is processed for reason of substantial public interest as set out in the Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations. To process this type of information the Data Controller must have a relevant policy document that sets out how this information will be handled.
The electoral registration officer, Stephen Evans, is the data controller and they can be contacted via the details at the bottom of this page.
You should refer to the Privacy Notice on the following link for further information relating to the processing of personal data Privacy notice : Electoral Services.