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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to register to vote?

To register to vote, you must be aged 16 or over (but you can’t vote until you’re 18 years old), and one of the following:

  • a UK or Irish citizen 
  • a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK
  • a qualifying EU citizen living in the UK

If you are not sure whether you are a qualifying citizen please refer to the Electoral Commission webpage on registering to vote.

I have changed my address or nationality, what do I need to do?

You need to register to vote each time that you move, or if you have changed your nationality. This is because where you vote, or what elections/referenda you are entitled to vote in may have changed.

Which elections or referenda am I eligible to vote in?

Details about the different types of elections and referenda, and which elections or referenda you are eligible to vote in, can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Can I send completed application forms and copies of evidence digitally?

Yes, completed application forms can be emailed to ourselves at elections@southandvale.gov.uk.

Please send just one application form per file (i.e. scan each form separately). We only need the application part of the form, we do not need the information sheet or covering letter.

How do I find out my elector number?

Please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page. We’ll need your full name and your address.

I do not live at a permanent address in the UK.  How do I register?

This depends on your circumstances.  Please refer to our register to vote page for further information.

Polling Day

How can I vote on polling day?

There are three ways to cast your vote:

  • In person at a polling station
  • By post
  • By proxy (where someone else votes on your behalf)

For further information about how to vote, please refer to our guidance page here.

The Electoral Register

Can I view the register?

The Register of Electors is open to public inspection under supervision – please refer to our guidance page on viewing the register here.

Can I view older versions of the register?

We only hold the current version of the Register. If you would like to view historical copies then please contact the Oxfordshire History Centre. 

When do you update Credit Reference Agencies?

Credit Agencies are updated at the beginning of each month, with the general exception being during the canvass period from September to December. If we are sending updates during the canvass period this year, the relevant months will be included in the list below.

Please be aware that this process is subject to statutory deadlines, determined by the date your application is received by our team and its successful verification under the IER process. Once your application has been successfully verified it will be added to the next monthly update.

The deadlines and updates for this year are listed below:

  • Verified by 11 December 2023 – 2 January 2024 update
  • Verified by 10 January 2024 – 1 February 2024 update
  • Verified by 8 February 2024 – 1 March 2024 update
  • Verified by 11 March 2024 – 2 April 2024 update
  • Verified by 9 April 2024 – 1 May 2024 update
  • Verified by 10 May 2024 – 3 June 2024 update
  • Verified by 7 June 2024 – 1 July 2024 update
  • Verified by 10 July 2024 – 1 August 2024 update
  • Verified by 9 August 2024 – 2 September 2024 update
  • Verified by 9 September 2024 – 1 October 2024 update
  • Verified by 10 October 2024 – 1 November 2024 update

For parish clerks

I need some guidance on holding a Parish Poll, do you have anything available?

Please see our informal guidance document available here – South and Vale Parish Poll Guidance.

Contact us - Electoral services

01235 422600
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)

elections@southandvale.gov.uk

Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE