What is the open register in the UK?
Definition
The open register is the version of the UK electoral register that anyone can buy and use, including for marketing. You can opt out of it without affecting your right to vote.
- Category
- Privacy
- Also called
- open electoral register, edited register
- Last updated
When you register to vote in the UK, your name and address go on the electoral register. There are two versions. The full register is used for elections and has restricted access. The open register contains the same names and addresses, but it can be sold to any person, organisation or company.
Your details are included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Companies buy it for marketing and to check addresses. Data companies also use it as one source for profiles about people. That is why a record about you can turn up somewhere you never gave your address.
What opting out does
Removing yourself from the open register doesn't affect your right to vote. You stay on the full register. It does not remove you from other sources, such as other databases or people-search sites that already hold your address.
Open register vs. full register
- Full register: used for elections and a few official purposes. There is no right to opt out of it.
- Open register: sold commercially. You can opt out at any time.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Contact your electoral registration officer
Ask your local council's electoral registration officer to remove your details from the open register. Include your full name and address. Per the ICO, you can do this in writing, by email or by phone, at any time.
- 2
Tick the box when you register
On the registration form in England, Scotland and Wales you can opt out of the open register as you register.
- 3
Northern Ireland differs
Registration there is continuous. Use the registration form from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and send it to your area electoral office.
- 4
Deal with the other places your address is listed
Opting out doesn't pull data back from companies that already hold it. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you where you live and sends removal requests.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Does opting out of the open register stop me voting?
No. The ICO says removing your details from the open register will not affect your right to vote.
Can I opt out of the full electoral register?
No. The full register has restricted access and there is no right to opt out of it.
Who can buy the open register?
Any person, organisation or company, for many purposes, according to the ICO.
Sources
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