ID Card
Registration Frequently Asked Questions
A PDF reader is required to view and print the documents on this page. - GENERAL INFORMATION: THE REGISTER OF ELECTORS
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF ELECTORS?
- OBTAINING A REGISTRATION FORM
- COMPLETING YOUR REGISTRATION FORM
- PROVIDING EVIDENCE
- RETURNING YOUR REGISTRATION FORM
- ASSISTANCE FOR THE VISUALLY OR HEARING IMPAIRED
- EUROPEAN AND BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS
- OVERSEAS ELECTORS
- SERVICE PERSONNEL AND CROWN SERVANTS
- ELECTORAL IDENTITY CARD
What is the Register of Electors?
The Register of Electors is the list of names and addresses of every person in Northern Ireland who is able to vote at elections.
The Electoral Office works on a system of continuous registration. This means that the Register is continually updated using information obtained from electors. Any person who is eligible can register at any time and many are contacted by the Electoral Office as a result of information obtained from government bodies (such as DVLNI, NI Housing Executive and Rates Collection Agency) regarding changes of residence. Updates to the Register are published on the first working day of each month and a revised version of the Register is published on 1 December each year. A canvass of electors in Northern Ireland only takes place when an analysis of the Register shows that it is no longer accurate.
Why are there two versions of the Register and what is the difference?
The Full Register
The full Register lists the name and address of everyone who is registered to vote. Anyone can look at it, but it is a criminal offence to supply or use copies for purposes other than those set down in law. Please visit the Electoral Register page for details of how to inspect the Register. The main use of the full Register is to show who can vote in elections. Credit reference agencies can use it, but only to check your name and address if you are applying for credit and for other purposes specified in law. It can also be used for law enforcement. The Registration page gives details of how to check if you are listed on the Register.
The Edited Register
The edited Register is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities such as marketing. If you do not want your name to appear on the edited register you must tick the "edited register" box on your registration form.
Am I eligible to register?
Each person should register at the address where he or she is resident if they:
- Are a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of a Member State of the European Union.
- Will turn 17 before publication of the next December Register.
- Have been resident in Northern Ireland for the past three months.
Do I have to register? I do not intend to vote.
If you have been contacted by us and asked to complete a registration form it is an offence to refuse to do so or to provide false information.
How do I get a registration form?
The registration form can be downloaded from the Forms and Leaflets page of our website or contact us and we will post one out to you.
Is the registration form available in other languages?
The registration form is available in a range of languages from the Translations page. We also have a Language Line service should you wish to speak to us in a language other than English.
What information is required on the Registration Form?
By law you are required to give the following details:
- Surname.
- Forename and any middle names.
- Full Address.
- Change of Surname. (If you have changed your surname within the past two years you must give your previous surname).
- Previous Address (If you have lived elsewhere in the past year).
- Other Residences (Any other address in the UK where you are or have applied to be registered to vote e.g. family home, holiday home, mid-week lodgings).
- Nationality.
- Date of Birth.
- National Insurance number (or attestation that you have never had one).
- Whether or not you wish to be excluded from the Edited Register.
- Signature (or attestation if you cannot sign the form due to physical incapacity).
Where can I obtain my National Insurance Number?
You can find it on the payslip you receive from your employer, benefit/pension details received from the Social Security Agency, your National Insurance Number card or your tax return/any correspondence from the Inland Revenue. If you still cannot find your national insurance number you should contact the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006.
I made a mistake on my form. Do I need to get a new one?
No. You can score out your mistake and write the correct answer to the side or underneath. If you require a new form, please contact us and we will post one out to you.
Who can I get to sign my form for me?
If you cannot sign in a consistent and distinctive way because of any incapacity, you should ask someone to complete the form at section 10(e) to verify this. That person should be someone who knows you well enough to know that the information given on the form is correct.
My mother is physically unable to fill in her form. What should she do?
You may complete the form for her. If possible she should sign the form personally, but if she is unable to do that you may attest it on her behalf and supply your detials at section 10(e) on the form.
Your mother may wish to apply for a permanent absent vote on the grounds of disability. The application form and guidance notes are available on the Postal and Proxy Voting page. The completed form should be sent to the Area Electoral Office which covers your mother's address. If you are unable to print these forms contact us and we will post them out to you.
I’m a student living away from home. Can I register and, if so, where should I register?
Yes, you should register, and you may do so either at your term time address or at your home address.
If you wish to apply for an absent vote for the duration of your course you will need to complete the necessary application form and return it to the Area Electoral Office which covers your address in Northern Ireland. The form and guidance notes are available on the Postal and Proxy Voting page. If you are unable to print these forms contact us and we will post them out to you.
I have changed address/name. How do I update my details on the Electoral Register?
You will need to complete a registration form to update your details on the Register. Forms can be obtained from the Forms and Leaflets page of our website or contact us and we will post one out to you.
Why do I need to provide documents to prove my address, residency and date of birth when registering?
When you apply to be added to the electoral register you may be asked to prove that you fulfil the eligibility criteria for registration. This is to ensure that the Electoral Register is accurate and also reduces the risk of both identity theft and electoral fraud. You may be asked to provide evidence of your:
- Address
- Residency
- Age
In certain circumstances you may also be required to provide evidence of your:
- Nationality
- Name
- National Insurance Number
Your local area office will write to you if evidence is required. Any documents you send in must be originals - photocopies cannot be accepted.
How do I return my form?
Please return your form to your local Area Electoral Office.
Is the registration form available in alternative formats for the visually or hearing impaired?
The registration form is available in Braille, audio CD and large print upon request. Please contact us and we will send them out to you.
Is any other assistance available for someone with a sight or hearing disability?
Yes, you can contact us by Textphone on 0800 3284 502 and we welcome calls via Typetalk. Our website is Browsealoud enabled. Also, a permanent member of EONI staff can, by appointment, visit your home to assist in the completion of your form. To request such a visit, please contact us.
From what countries/states can citizens apply to be included on the Register?
Why do I have to enter my nationality on the form?
This is a legal requirement for all electors. European citizens have different voting rights than British and Commonwealth citizens.
Will my nationality appear in the Electoral Register?
No. The only information which appears on the Register is name, address, elector number and date of birth if the elector will turn 18 during the next year.
I am a British citizen who used to live in Northern Ireland but now live abroad. Can I be included on the Register of Electors?
British citizens living abroad can be registered in the same parliamentary constituency as they were registered prior to going abroad. It is important to note that in order to qualify as an Overseas Elector you must have been on the Northern Ireland Electoral Register at some point within the last 15 years or, if you were not old enough to vote, your parent or guardian must have been registered. Overseas electors can vote in Westminster Parliamentary and European Parliamentary elections, but not Northern Ireland Assembly or Local Government elections.
How do I register as an overseas elector?
A special registration form has to be completed and returned to the Area Electoral Office which covers the area where you lived previously. The form and guidance notes are available from the Forms and Leaflets page. If you are unable to print these forms from this page, please contact us and we will post them to you. You will need to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf as postal votes cannot be sent outside the UK.
I am serving with HM Forces/I work for the British Council abroad. How do I register to vote?
Crown Servants, members of HM Forces and their spouses can download registration forms from the Forms and Leaflets page.
How can I get an Electoral Identity Card?
Please visit the Electoral Identity Card page for details of how to apply for a card.
A number of queries relating to the Electoral Identity Card are answered on the Frequently Asked Questions - Electoral Identity Card page.