Registering to vote

It is not possible to register by phone or internet as initial applications are legal documents requiring the signature of the applicant. However, once you are registered it is now possible to renew your entry this way in the compulsory annual canvass between August and November.

The annual household form, and the confirmation notice we send to all borough homes every spring, list every resident at that address registered to vote and anyone who has chosen to vote by post or proxy instead of at the Polling Station.

A general election, by-election or referendum could be called at any time so please ensure you appear on the current Register of Electors. If you wait until one is announced before you register, official deadlines may mean you are too late to vote.

The Annual Canvass

The Annual Canvass takes place from late August, when forms are delivered to each household to be checked and updated by anyone resident. During this period every residential address must by law renew their compulsory registration. Households with no changes to occupants can now use the security code on their form to renew via telephone or internet.

"Rolling Registration"

Once it is published on 1 December each year, the Electoral Roll is revised on a system called 'Rolling Registration', with monthly updates published from January until September.

Although at this time registration is not compulsory, individual application forms may be accepted but must be signed by each applicant personally. We cannot accept signatures from members of the family, carers or powers of attorney.

Please note that other council records are separate to the electoral roll, so paying council tax does not entitle you to vote.

From December to August only download individual forms using the following link:

Download the Rolling Registration form for individual registration applications(pdf, 18KB).

Postal voting

Once you have registered to vote you can then apply to vote by post. Telephone 020 8891 7775 to request an application. If you have a postal vote you will not be able to vote in person at the polling station under any circumstances.