Electoral Registration - frequently asked questions
If you are in any doubt about your registration or your right to vote, please contact the ERO where advice and guidance is available. However, some questions arise more than others do and these have been replicated here as they may hopefully satisfy your enquiry.
- How do I check that I'm registered to vote?
- Who is eligible to be registered?
- How do I get on the Electoral Register?
- What if I haven't had a form from you?
- I've been refused credit/mortgage because I'm not on the Register. What can I do?
How do I check that I'm registered to vote?
If you live in the Lothian Area, you can check by telephoning the Electoral Registration Office's general inquiry helpline on (0131) 344-2500.
Alternatively, the Register is on Public Display at the following locations:
- Electoral Registration Office - 17a South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL
- Council Chambers - holds the register for the county area it serves.
- Library Headquarters - hold the register for the county / area it serves.
- Local Libraries - hold the polling districts for the area they serve.
- National Library for Scotland, Edinburgh - holds the register for all of Lothian.
- British Library in London - holds the register for all of Lothian.
Who is eligible to be registered?
Persons eligible are: British Citizens, citizens of other Commonwealth Countries, Citizens of the Irish Republic and citizens of other member states of the European Union who are normally resident in the UK and who are 18 or over or will become 18 during the period the register is in force.
How do I get on the Electoral Register?
A canvass is carried out in late August or early September each year. During this time, every property at which persons are resident, will receive a registration 'Form A' and that form requires to be completed and returned without delay.
Outwith that period, Electors may apply to change their Registration immediately they move house, by completing a 'Voter Registration Form' which can be obtained from our Office, or downloaded from this website
What if I haven't had a form from you?
Whilst it is important that Electoral Form 'A' is completed and returned without delay, if you have missed that opportunity for any reason you can simply complete a "Voter Registration Form" which can be obtained from our Office, or downloaded from this website.
I've been refused credit/mortgage because I'm not on the Register - what can I do?
The ERO is obliged by law, to register all persons who are eligible, in order that they may vote in the event of an Election. The Register is a public document and as such can be checked by anyone including credit reference agencies. Such companies are entitled to use the full register for credit purposes. Their procedures concerning the granting of credit may not match the criteria for registration as an Elector.
If you do not appear on the Register, it could be for a variety of legitimate reasons. If in doubt, contact the ERO and we will check for you.