Electoral registers

Full and open registers

There are two registers:

  • the electoral register
  • the open register (also known as the edited register)

The electoral register

The names and addresses of everyone registered to vote appears on the register. We use the register to make sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as:

  • detecting crime and fraud
  • calling people for jury service
  • checking credit applications

The open register

This is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. Any person, company or organisation can buy a copy of this register. It its used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address is included in the open register. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

Remove your name from the open register

You can request that your name and address is excluded from the open register on a permanent basis by contacting us. To do that:

  • write to Electoral Services, Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH
  • email our elections team 
  • call 0191 278 7878 and ask for Electoral Services  

Ensure that with all communications, you provide your name and home address.

You cannot do this on behalf of another person

Each individual must inform the electoral registration officer separately that they want to do this

Removing your name from the open register does not remove you from the full electoral register used for electoral and other statutory purposes.

Your personal information

We will only use the information you give us for electoral purposes. Personal information is held in agreement with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

We will not share information about you or other people in your household unless we have to by law.

For more information see: