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How to make a subject access request

A subject access request is dealt with under our Individual Rights Policy. To request your personal information you will need to verify your identity.

To make a request:

Information Officer
Electoral Office
St Anne's House
15 Church Street
BELFAST BT1 1ER

To make a subject access request you must provide your name, address, details of the information you are requesting and proof of your identity (see below).

The following documents can be accepted to prove your identity. The Electoral Office require two forms of identity:

Proof of Name - provide ANY ONE of the following personal photographic identity documents:

  • a UK, Ireland or European Union passport
  • a UK, Ireland or European Economic Areas driving licence (photographic part)
  • a Translink Half Fare SmartPass, Senior SmartPass, Blind Person’s SmartPass, War Disabled SmartPass, 60+ SmartPass
  • a Biometric Immigration Document
  • an Electoral Identity Card
  • any card with the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) logo
  • an identity card issued to you by a member state of the European Union

Proof of Address - provide ANY ONE of the following documents issued to you within the last 3 months:

  • a bill or statement of account issued in respect of the supply of gas, water, electricity or telecommunications services to premises at an address specified in the statement (mobile phones bills are NOT accepted)
  • a statement issued by a bank or building society relating to an account held at that bank or building society* (online statements are accepted as long as they include the address)
  • a bill or statement of account issued by the Land and Property Services (meaning that part of the Department of Finance and Personnel for Northern Ireland known as Land and Property Services Executive Agency) (i.e. a rates bill)*
  • a bill of statement of account issued in respect of a debit or credit card by a bank or building society*
  • a statement issued by a bank or building society in relation to a mortgage*
  • a bill or statement issued by a Credit Union within the meaning of article 2 of the Credit Unions (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (i.e. a Credit Union registered in Northern Ireland)*

* you can cut off or delete the account number and the details of the transactions

We will accept copies of these documents. However, we reserve the right to ask for originals if the copies are not of a good quality.

When you make a request you will receive an acknowledgement of that request. The request should be answered within one month. There is no charge for providing the information to you, unless the request is found to be excessive or clearly without any basis, in which case a fee may be charged or the request may be refused.

If we refuse your request you have the right to ask for this decision to be reviewed by the Chief Electoral Officer.

How do I complain if I am not happy?

If you are unhappy with how your request is handled, please contact the Electoral Office Data Protection Officer.

If you are still not happy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Tel: 0303 123 1113
Email: casework@ico.org.uk
https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/