On this page: How to register to vote in all elections.
To vote in any UK election, you must meet rules on eligibility and you must register using an Electoral Registration Form.
Annual Canvass (September to November Each Year)
Each year we are required by law to 'canvass' each household in the Borough of Swindon - i.e. we send each one a form for them to complete and return.
Throughout the remainder of the year, applications may be made to the Electoral Registration Officer. The Register of Electors is then updated on a regular basis.
It is the legal responsibility of householders to provide the information requested on the form - failure to do so could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. The response rate for the most recent canvass was 96%.
How You Can Register
Online – as long as there are no changes to be made to the existing records
By phone – as long as there are no changes to be made to the existing records
By post (using the form mentioned below)
All of these ways of registering allow you to 'opt out' of the edited register, which means that your name will not be on the register used for general sale.
Rolling Registration (December to August Each Year)
The form for this is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Timetable for Amendments to the Electoral Register in 2012
| Monday 12 December 2011 |
Tuesday 3 January 2012 |
| Tuesday 10 January 2012 |
Wednesday 1 February 2012 |
| Wednesday 8 February 2012 |
Thursday 1 March 2012 |
| Friday 9 March 2012 |
Monday 2 April 2012 |
| Thursday 5 April 2012 |
Tuesday 1 May 2012 |
| Thursday 10 May 2012 |
Friday 1 June 2012 |
| Friday 8 June 2012 |
Wednesday 1 August 2012 |
| Friday 10 August 2012 |
Monday 3 September 2012 |
Why You Need to Register
The law says that you must complete a new form each year
If you are not on the register you can’t vote
You may find that you cannot get credit (including a mortgage) if your name is not on the register
You must make an application and you have to renew your registration every year.
Help with Forms
If you require special assistance to complete your form we are happy to organise this for you - please contact us.
The Electoral Register
Also known as the Register of Electors, the Electoral Roll and the Voters' Roll, this is a list of names and addresses of all residents who are registered to vote in the Borough of Swindon.
The law requires the Electoral Registration Officer to publish two versions of the register:
The Full version, which lists the names and addresses of everyone registered to vote. This can only be used for certain purposes, such as elections, law enforcement and credit referencing. It is also available at the Civic Offices for members of the public to view under supervision, but nowhere else.
The Edited version, which omits the names and addresses of those electors who have requested on their applications to register that their names be excluded from this version. This is available for sale and can be used for any purpose. Electors can choose to have their names excluded from this version ("opting out") by ticking the relevant box on the registration form.
There are no online versions of the Electoral Register provided by the Electoral Registration Officer at Swindon Borough Council.
Access to the Electoral Register
If you live within the Borough of Swindon, you can check if your name is on the electoral register viewing the register, either at the Civic Offices (please see below) or during normal opening times at the Central Library.
Civic Office Opening Times
When the Civic Offices are open for viewing of the register:
| Monday-Thursday |
9.00am-5.00pm |
| Friday |
9.00am-4.30pm |
| Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays |
Closed |
Further Information/Contact
If you would like need any more information on registering or voting please contact: