The electoral register is a list of everyone who is entitled to vote. This list is used for elections, law enforcement and also credit checks.

Until 2002, any company or organisation could buy a copy of the electoral register. However, the law has since changed so that you have a choice as to whether your name and address is made available to be purchased.

Permanent Opt Out

You can permanently opt out of the Edited Register by completing and signing this Permanent Opt Out application form (PDF 6KB) and sending it to the Electoral Services Team; or

You can email electoral.registration@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk stating your name and address along with the message:

"Please do not include my details in the next and future versions of the edited register.  This will apply until I tell you otherwise".

Note: A separate form (or email) is required for each individual on the Electoral Register.

Annual Opt Out

The edited version of the register is available for general sale but you can choose to have your details omitted from it by "opting out". You can do this by ticking the relevant box on the annual canvass form, application to register form or by contacting the electoral services team.

The Electoral Services Team can be contacted via:

Helpline: 0300 300 8008

Email:  electoral.registration@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Post: Electoral Services Team, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford SG19 5TQ

You can register to vote by completing and signing this application form (PDF 23KB) and sending it to the Electoral Services Team.

Once registered you will receive a letter of confirmation giving your Poll Number. 

The annual canvass takes place every year from August to November. During this time every household within Central Bedfordshire will receive a canvass form for completion.

The form will contain details of residents who are eligible to vote in that household. If the details are correct, the form can be actioned by phone, email, text or by signing and returning in the pre-paid envelope provided.

If the form contains out of date information, it can be amended, signed and returned in the pre-paid envelope.

Once the annual canvass has taken place, the register will be "published" on 1 December. Please note that the term "published" does not mean it will be available on any website but that it will be used with regard to elections, law enforcement and credit checks.

You can register to vote if you are:

• 16 or over (but you cannot vote until you are 18)
• A UK, Republic of Ireland or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are those who have leave to enter or remain in the UK, or do not require such leave.
• A citizen of a European Union country living in the UK
• A citizen of the Channel islands, the Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory living in the UK

• You are required to register by law
• If you do not register, then you cannot exercise your right to vote in any election or referendum
• It is much harder to obtain credit if you are not on the electoral register

26 January 2011 - Election of Town Councillor for Leighton Linslade Barnabas Ward.

Central Bedfordshire Council held its District, Town and Parish elections on Thursday 5 May 2011.  A referendum was also held.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections will be held on the 15 November 2012.

How to vote at the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections. (PDF 17KB)

Central Bedfordshire Council has elections every four years.  The next elections will take place on the 7 May 2015.  Elections to the Town and Parish Councils within Central Bedfordshire will also take place on the same day.

The European Parliamentary Election will be held in June 2014.

The General Election will be held in May 2015.

If you live overseas you can still be eligible to vote by completing the overseas application form (PDF 84KB).