The Electoral Register

Electoral Registration Officers keep two version of the register - the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).

The electoral (full) register

The electoral register is used for electoral purposes and it lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote.

It can also be used:

• to check credit applications
• to call people for jury service
• for the prevention and detection of crime
• by candidates, registered political parties and other registered campaigners for election or referendum campaigning activities

The electoral register is a public document which can be viewed under strict control at the Local Studies Library, 64 Fawcett Street, Sunderland SR1 1BB.  By law you cannot take any copies of the register, either paper or photographic, although handwritten notes are allowed.

The open (edited) register

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but it is not used for elections. This version is available to anyone who wants to buy it, such as businesses or charities.

You can find more information on The Electoral Commissions page.

Opting out of the open register

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.

When you apply to register to vote, you will be given the choice to opt out of the open register as part of your application.

If you are already registered and want to opt out, please email us at elections@sunderland.gov.uk confirming that you would like to opt out of the open register and provide your full name and address.

Registration dates

The electoral register was last published on 1 December 2022 compiled from the information received during our annual canvass.

The electoral register is normally updated on the first working day of every month except October and November (when we don't update due to our annual canvass).

The table below sets out the dates we need to have received your application so that your name can be added to the register the next month.

It also has the dates we need to have received any further evidence from you so your details can be added to the register.

Checking you're registered to vote

To check if you're registered to vote, please email us at elections@sunderland.gov.uk or call us on 0191 5205550

If you're denied credit or are told you have a low credit score because your name is not on the electoral register, we cannot contact credit reference agencies directly to discuss your registration status, your application for credit or people previously registered at your address.