What is the Electoral Register?
The Electoral Register is a list of the names and addresses of all those eligible to vote. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI) compiles, publishes and maintains the Electoral Register for Northern Ireland.
The Electoral Office is required by law to conduct a canvass in order to create a new register. You must register even if you are currently on the Electoral Register.
Who can register?
- You must be a British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen
- You must be aged 17 or over by 30 November 2021
- You must not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote (e.g. a convicted prisoner)
How to register
There are two ways to register:
1. You can register online via www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. This is the quickest and easiest way to register.
2. If you are unable to register online, you will need to complete a paper registration form and return it to the Electoral Office. The form can be downloaded below or contact EONI and they will post one out to you.
Canvass registration form (PDF)
High Street Voucher Scheme
If you have applied to register from 1 July 2021 you do not need to re-apply in connection with the High Street Voucher Scheme. The scheme will have its own application process and the Electoral Register as at 1 September will be purchased by the Department for the Economy for the detection of fraud in accordance with legislation. Other databases will also used to confirm your identity as part of the voucher scheme.
If you are already on the old register, you will be eligible to access the voucher scheme, but you will still need to re-register to vote.
Register now
It only takes 5 minutes to register. Go online today to secure your right to vote: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
