Registering to vote

You can find out how to register to vote or more information on registering to vote at www.gov.uk/registertovote 

You will need to provide 'identifying information', such as your date of birth and national insurance number when applying and your application will need to be verified with Government records before you are added to the register.  If your details are not matched then you may be asked to provide an alternative form of evidence to prove your identity (for example a Passport, Photo Driving Licence, Biometric Residence Permit or National Identity Card).  If you have the facility to scan documents, then we do accept a clear scanned copy and it can be emailed to electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk.

Can I register over the phone?

You can register to vote by phone, you will need your national insurance number, you can also register within 5 minutes at www.gov.uk/registertovote

What if I can't find my National Insurance Number, or don't have one? 

A National Insurance number is a reference number used by government.  The easiest place to find your National Insurance number is on official paperwork, such as your National Insurance card, payslips or letters from the Department of Work and Pensions or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

If you are still unable to find your National Insurance Number go to Find a lost National Insurance number. You can also use the free HMRC app which provides a quick and easy way to check your national insurance number.

If you haven’t been given a national insurance number, you will need to provide a reason when applying. We will then contact you to provide evidence as to your identity. This is usually a photocopy or scanned image of your driving licence or passport.

Why should I register to vote? 

• If you're not registered, you can't vote. You'll miss your chance to elect Councillors, MPs and others that represent you. 
• Credit checks - credit referencing companies use the Register when checking if a person has a good credit rating. If you are not listed on the Register, you may have difficulty opening a bank account, applying for a loan, credit card or mortgage.
• Jury Service - the Register of Electors is used to call people for Jury Service. There is evidence that fewer young people and people from ethnic minorities register to vote with the result that they are under-represented in the judicial system.
• It's the law - there is a maximum £1,000 fine for individuals who refuse to register, and a maximum £5,000 fine for individuals who provide false information.

Can a family member register me to vote? 

Everybody needs to register themselves to vote.  It is straightforward and quick, you can register at www.gov.uk/registertovote.  If you are unable to register yourself, it’s ok to get help filling in the details, but you must make the declaration yourself. In certain circumstances, someone who has been granted appropriate power of attorney may be able to make the declaration on your behalf. If you need any further assistance with this you can contact a member of the team on 024 7683 3034.

I don't know my date of Birth? 

If you do not know your actual date of birth, you may have been given an official one in the past and this can be used to register to vote.  This can be found on paperwork including a passport, adoption certificate, driving licence or naturalisation certificate. If you do not have one, you will need to explain why you are unable to provide it on your application to register and indicate if you are under 18 years old.

I'm already registered - will I need to do anything?

If you have received a letter telling you that you are registered to vote you do not need to do anything. You will receive a poll card before the next elections.

Once you’re registered, you don’t need to register again unless your circumstances change, for example, if you change address. We will contact you every year (usually between July and November) to find out if there have been any changes to who is living at your address. You should also inform us if any of your details (such as your name) change.

How can I find out if I'm registered to vote?

You can contact our Electoral Services department by using the contact details below. Please note that if you're emailing us we'll need your full name and address to check this for you.

Privacy Notice for Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer

View the Privacy Notice.

View the Retention, Storage and disposal of documents.