Access To Electoral Register.

[10ClarionSt]

I've asked about this in this past but I'm curious about things on Long Lost Family. As far as I'm aware, it's quite difficult now to access details on the register, but we regularly hear Nicky Campbell say something like "....we checked the electoral register and found a match...". In the old days, the local register used to hang on a string in the local post office and you could just look at it. I did it a few times but now because of DP, it seems almost impossible to go into the library and ask for it. Have I got that right? Can it just be accessed on request? TIA

[Ken4155]

Does this help, 10C?

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/electoral-register

[Ken4155]

Or this, perhaps?

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/running-electoral-registration-england/access-and-supply-electoral-register/access-and-supply-edited-register

[barry1010]

Anyone can access the full register, under supervision and only hand written notes can be made.

The process depends on your council, where I live it is by appointment only at the Council House.
Check your council's website

[rccatnap]

As far as I know you can. The reason it's not 'on a string' is that nowadays it's quite a heavy tome and being physically 'handled' by the general public is not particularly hygienic. Bear in mind that not all entries will be noted, as you can opt out of your details being available to the general public. You say it seems 'almost impossible to go into the library'. Why? If there are any local restrictions, the librarian will inform you of them. There's nothing to stop your asking.

[barry1010]

Sorry, rc, but everyone has access to the full register. The other register that you can opt out of is the one that can be sold to marketing companies.
The full register cannot be used for marketing.

[choux]

"Last updated: 17 June 2021
Next review: 20 April 2022"

Does not inspire much confidence. So copies can be purchased, bet that is at a price.

[THECORBYLOON]

From KEN's link,

"The edited register can be sold to anyone requesting it on payment of the prescribed fee. The fees for sale of the edited register are:

in data format, £20 plus £1.50 for each 1,000 entries (or remaining part of 1,000 entries) in it

in printed format, £10 plus £5 for each 1,000 entries (or remaining part of 1,000 entries) in it"

[Ken4155]

Choux, it also states 'copyright 2023 Electoral Commission', so i'd hazard a guess that the April 2022 review produced no relevant changes?

[choux]

Probably, ken :)

[10ClarionSt]

Sorry I'm late with this folks but thanks for the replies. I'm actually trying to find someone without asking the dreaded question of whether or not they're still above ground, and I don't want to start trawling through obituaries when it might not apply. I don't know anyone related to the person either. I'll keep trying but all those "free" People Finder websites want your card details first and I aint doing that folks!

[barry1010]

The electoral roll is no help if the person has moved out of the area, but make an appointment
https://www.gov.uk/electoral-register/view-electoral-register

The advantage of paying one of the web companies a few quid is that every councils register is searched, it it quick and easy. The disadvantage is that they only access the edited register so people who ticked the box won't be on it.

Maybe it will be easier to simply visit their last known address

[rccatnap]

Thank you barry1010 for your correction.

[barry1010]

I haven't had reason to look at the current electoral register for years. I wonder if today you search on computer by name, or by address as you had to with the printed register.
Maybe you still have to search the printed register by address.
Does anyone know?

[THECORBYLOON]

"Section 114 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 allows only legally registered credit reference agencies to buy a copy of the full Register of Electors, each year when it's published.

This is to help with fraud checking - these agencies cannot pass on your details if you have opted out of the open register."

[barry1010]

That's right, and of course everyone has to sign their agreement to the credit check being carried out.

[dave50]

Can you access past electoral registers?

[barry1010]

Yes, many sites have access to old electoral registers, such as Ancestry

[brainiac]

Have you tried 192.com? Not expensive.
https://www.192.com/

[barry1010]

I remember when 192.com first started. It was free and the amount of information it gave was worrying. Ceck one name and it gave full address, the names of every occupant going back years, the price paid for the house and when it sold, the floor plan - and the same for all the neighbours.

[maggiebee]

In Scotland I can access the electoral register on line - have used this in the past when I was unsure if someone had passed on.