Electoral register

There are 2 registers:

• the electoral register
• the open register (also known as the edited register)

The electoral register

The names and addresses of everyone registered to vote appears on the register. We use the register to make sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as:

• detecting crime and fraud
• calling people for jury service
• checking credit applications

The open register

This is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. Any person, company or organisation can buy a copy of this register. It its used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address is included in the open register. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

Remove your name from the open register

You can request that your name and address is excluded from the open register on a permanent basis by writing to or emailing your request to the electoral registration officer, contact details below. Make sure you include your name and home address.

• you cannot do this on behalf of another person
• each individual must inform the electoral registration officer separately that they want to do this

Removing your name from the open register does not remove you from the full electoral register used for electoral and other statutory purposes.

Your personal information

We will only use the information you give us for electoral purposes. Personal information is held in agreement with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

We will not share information about you or other people in your household unless we have to by law.

Viewing the electoral register

Current register

Please email electoral.services@croydon.gov.uk to arrange a time to view the current electoral register, or any less than 10 years old.

Old registers

Please email archives@croydon.gov.uk to arrange a time to view a register older than 10 years. Archives are open by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. 

Certificate of life

If you need us to certify your certificate of life, then you do not need to book an appointment. You can visit Access Croydon any time during our standard opening hours:

• Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

Please bring the application form and one of the following photographic IDs:

• valid UK driving licence
• current passport
• freedom pass
• biometric residents’ permit

More information

Read more about the registers, and how they are used at GOV.UK.