For celebrities, high-target individuals, or anyone whose safety would be at risk if their address were to become public, opting out of the full electoral register is not an option.
However, a crucial safeguard exists: anonymous registration. This legal provision allows individuals to register to vote without their name and address appearing on any version of the electoral register, including the full register provided to political parties and credit reference agencies. This measure is specifically designed for those who can demonstrate that they, or another member of their household, would be in danger if their details were published. This could include individuals at risk of domestic abuse, stalking, or those in professions that might make them a target, such as law enforcement or the judiciary. While being a celebrity or a high-profile figure does not automatically grant the right to anonymous registration, it can be a contributing factor if a genuine safety risk can be proven.
To register to vote anonymously, you cannot use the standard voter registration process. Instead, you must complete a separate application form and provide evidence to support your claim that your safety, or the safety of someone in your household, would be compromised. The steps are:
i) Obtain the correct form: You will need to contact your local Electoral Registration Office to request an anonymous registration application form.
ii) Provide supporting evidence: This is a critical part of the application. The evidence must come from a qualifying source and support your claim of a safety risk. This can include:
a) A court order, such as an injunction or restraining order.
b) A letter or attestation from a senior police officer (at the rank of inspector or above).
c) A letter from the Director General of the Security Service or the National Crime Agency.
d) A letter from a social worker or a refuge manager.
iii) Submitting the application: The completed form and supporting evidence must be submitted to your local Electoral Registration Office.
If your application is successful, your name and address will not appear on either the full electoral register or the open register. Instead, you will be assigned a voter number, and your entry will be marked as anonymous. This allows you to vote without revealing your personal details.
Anonymous registration is valid for one year, and you will need to renew your application annually by providing updated evidence of the ongoing risk. This ensures that the system is reserved for those who genuinely need this level of protection.
For those who do not qualify for anonymous registration but still have concerns, it is important to remember to opt out of the open register. While this will not remove your details from the full register, it will prevent your information from being bought and used for general marketing and other non-electoral purposes.