Register to vote

You can register on GOV.UK.

Why should I register?

Every day, vital decisions affecting all our lives are taken by members of parliament and local councillors elected by the people. You can help choose them by voting. If you don't register, you won't be able to vote, and you will lose your chance to influence the way things are run in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the United Kingdom.

Not being registered may negatively impact applications for mortgages or mobile phones as credit reference agencies use the register to validate applications.

Being registered for council tax and/or benefits does not mean that you will automatically be registered to vote.

If you're a student away from home, you can register twice

Many students don't know that they might be eligible to register to vote at both their home and university addresses, so they will be able to vote wherever they are at the time of the election.

If you are registered to vote elsewhere and do not want to register in Cheltenham you will need to let us know. Please complete the below web form or email elections@cheltenham.gov.uk with your full name and term address in Cheltenham.

Let us know you're registered to vote elsewhere

It's easier than you think

It's simpler, clearer and faster online. Just visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and complete the online form. You will need your national insurance number to hand.

Who can register to vote?

You can register to vote if you are:

16 years old or over and
a British or Irish citizen or
if you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man - or you do not need permission - and you’re a:
- Commonwealth citizen (the definition of a 'Commonwealth citizen' includes citizens of British Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.)
- citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain
- citizen of another EU country, if you have had permission to enter or stay - or not needed permission - since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break

If you are 16 or 17, you can register to vote but you will not be eligible to vote until you are 18.

Visit GOV.UK to register to vote

When to register

Registration continues throughout the year and the register is updated monthly. When you move you need to register again at the new address.

Am I already registered?

If you are unsure whether or not you are currently registered please email your full name, date of birth and address to elections@cheltenham.gov.uk.

Why do I need to register to vote?

It is a legal requirement to register to vote, however voting itself is entirely optional. As well as enabling you to vote at election(s), credit reference agencies use the electoral register as part of their checking process. If you’re not on the electoral register, it may have a negative effect on your credit score.

16 to 18 year olds

If you are 16 or over you will need to register to vote.

You can register to vote if you’re a British citizen or an Irish citizen.

You can also register if you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man - or you do not need permission - and you’re a:

Commonwealth citizen
citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain
citizen of another EU country, if you have had permission to enter or stay - or not needed permission - since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break

It is important to register to vote. Parents and guardians - please remember to include any 16/17-year-olds in your household response and encourage them to register to vote.

Why register to vote?

The government have proposed changes to lower the voting age to 16. If legislation is passed to support this, it will also impact the age from which people can register to vote. In preparation for the proposed change, we are encouraging all residents aged 16 and over to register to vote.