Register to vote
You must apply for a postal vote if you want to vote by post, for example if:
You do not need to give a reason unless you’re voting in Northern Ireland.
You can apply for a postal vote for one of the following:
There are different forms, depending on why you can’t get to the polling station. Make sure you complete the right one.
You may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if the deadline to apply for a proxy vote has passed.
For emergency proxy and other proxy voting application forms visit the GOV.UK website.
You must be aged 16 or over.
You must also be one of the following:
Check which elections you’re eligible to vote in.
You can vote when you’re 18 or over.
You normally only need to register once - not for every election. You’ll need to register again if you’ve changed your name, address or nationality.
If you meet the requirements for registering to vote (for example, you’re 16 or over and you’re British, Irish or a national of a European Union or Commonwealth country) and you’re invited to register, you have to do so.
If you’re invited to register and don’t do so, your local Electoral Registration Officer could impose a penalty fine of £80.
You won’t be fined if you have a valid reason for not registering, for example a long stay in hospital, not eligible due to nationality or you have severe learning difficulties.
It is sometimes possible to register at two addresses (though you can only vote once in a government election). For example, if you’re a student with different home and term-time addresses, you may be able to register at both.
If you want to register at two addresses, visit the GOV.UK website and make two separate applications. We will look at each application and confirm whether you’re allowed to register.
A new voter registration system came into effect on 10 June 2014 across the whole country called Individual Electoral Registration (IER).
Under the new system, everyone is responsible for registering themselves. You will need your national insurance number, date of birth and address to register. You can now register online via the gov.uk website. If there are any queries relating to your application we will send you a letter requesting further information or evidence to support your application. If there are no queries a confirmation letter will be sent out to say you're registered.
If your details have changed for example name, nationality or contact details please contact us via email electoral.services@redbridge.gov.uk or telephone 020 8708 7171 so we can update this for you.
If you have you moved address within or out of our borough you can visit the gov.uk website and complete the application form which will remove you from your previous address or contact your appropriate new council.
| Last date for application | Effective date on Register |
| Monday 11 December 2023 | Tuesday 2 January 2024 |
| Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Thursday 1 February 2024 |
| Thursday 8 February 2024 | Friday 1 March 2024 |
| Monday 11 March 2024 | Tuesday 2 April 2024 |
| Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Wednesday 1 May 2024 |
| Friday 10 May 2024 | Monday 3 June 2024 |
| Friday 7 June 2024 | Monday 1 July 2024 |
| Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Thursday 1 August 2024 |
| Friday 9 August 2024 | Monday 2 September 2024 |
| Monday 9 September 2024 | Tuesday 1 October 2024 |
| Thursday 10 October 2024 | Friday 1 November 2024 |
| Annual Canvass | Annual Canvass |
| Annual Canvass | Annual Canvass |
If your question hasn't been answered above please look at our frequently asked questions.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the electoral roll, complete the remove email from electoral roll form
Electoral Services
Ilford Town Hall
128-142 High Road
Ilford
IG1 1DD
