Register to vote
Register
Registering to vote is quick and easy. It takes just a few minutes online. You will need to provide your National Insurance number, which can be found on your National Insurance card, on your payslip or letters about benefits or tax credits.
Alternatively, you can print off the registration forms, or collect copies from Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY. It’s much quicker to register online.
We’ll write to you to confirm that you’ve been successfully added to the electoral register. If we’re unable to confirm your identity, we’ll write to you to request proof of ID.
You must re-register to vote every time you change address. Even if you pay council tax, you’re not automatically registered to vote.
If you’re already registered to vote at your current address, you don’t need to register again. If you’re not registered to vote, please register now.
You can also request a postal vote so you do not need to visit a polling station; or request a proxy vote if you wish someone else to vote on your behalf.
The annual canvass
The annual canvass takes place between July and November every year. The aim is to keep our electoral register up to date by confirming who lives at each address in the borough.
We do this by sending a canvass form, which lists everyone currently registered at the property, giving residents the opportunity to add any new names or remove any out of date information.
Residents are required to respond to the canvass form by law.
You will need your security code which will be included on the form.
You can also respond by telephone on 0800 197 9871 or by text on 80212. Alternatively, you can complete the form and post it back to use in the envelope provided (postage is free).
If someone has moved to the property, or is about to turn 18, we can then send them an individual registration form.
This year our annual canvass will begin on 22 July, when the first batch of canvass forms will be sent out.
A second batch will be sent 1 September, and our canvassers will visit those who have not responded from 20 September onwards.
The electoral register
There are two versions of the electoral register – the full register and the open register.
The full register
The full register lists everyone who is entitled to vote. You can view it at any of the following venues. No appointment is required.
Hackney Archives
Dalston CLR James Library and Hackney Archives
Dalston Square
E8 3BQ
Viewing times: Tuesday-Thursday, 9.30am-5.30pm, Fri 9.30am-1pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Electoral Services
Hackney Town Hall
Mare Street
E8 1EA
Viewing times: appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 0208 356 3232 or email electoralservices@hackney.gov.uk.
Only certain people and organisations can have copies of the full register and they can only use it for specified purposes. These include electoral purposes, the prevention and detection of crime and checking your identity when you have applied for credit.
The open register
The open register leaves out the names and addresses of people who have asked for them to be excluded from this version of the register. It can be bought by anyone who asks for a copy and they may use it for any purpose.
You can view it at any library in Hackney.
Please note that you will be supervised while viewing and only handwritten notes can be taken.
Electoral Registration and Elections Office
Address
Telephone
Opening times
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am to 5pm (telephone)
- Wednesday – 9am to 4pm (telephone)