Elections 2015 - Individual Electoral Registration

What is Individual Electoral Registration?

This summer voter registration has moved from being done by the head of the household to each person being required to register to vote individually, rather than by household. As a consequence it is likely that there will be alterations in the numbers of voters on the electoral role.

Eastleigh Borough Council have a useful Q and A section on their website:

Why are changes being made to the current electoral registration process?The process of getting onto the electoral register is changing from a property-based system (where one person in the household completes the form on behalf of everyone living in the property) to one where every individual must register themselves.  This change is being introduced nationally by the Government to help deter elector fraud and so that people are able to take individual responsibility for their own vote. 

How will IER differ to the current way of registering to vote?With the new individual registration form replacing the out-dated household application form people will have more control over registration and be able to take ownership of the process. IER will bring electoral registration into the 21st century with the introduction of onlineregistration for everyone who is eligible.

Will registering under IER be complicated?No, registering to vote under the new system will be straightforward. With the additional option of online registration, the process will be greatly improved.

When is IER being introduced?The transition to IER will take place during the Summer of 2014.

What will happen if I am already registered?Councils are now required by law to cross-check its electoral data with records held at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).  Where there is a perfect match we will write to advise you that you are simply being transferred across to the new individual register and you need do nothing further.  However, if there is not a match with DWP records, we will write to you to advise you of this but also include an ‘invitation to register’ form, which you will need to complete and return.  We anticipate around 12% of electors will need to complete such forms.

If that’s the case, what information will I need to provide on the invitation?Each person who does not have a match with DWP records will be asked to give identifying information including full name, national insurance number and date of birth. This will allow each person’s application to be verified before they are added to the register. If you cannot provide a national insurance number, there is an exceptions process that can be followed.

 

Where can I find more information on IER?

www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by-subject/electoral-registration/our-role-in-individual-electoral-registration