TL;DR: The UK has two electoral registers: the full register (used for elections and some checks) and the open register, which anyone can buy. People-finder sites like 192.com use the open register. Opting out is free: tick the box when you register to vote, or contact your council’s electoral services by phone or email. You stay on the full register and keep your vote.
Two registers, very different audiences
When you register to vote you go on the full register, which is used for elections, jury service and by credit reference agencies. Unless you opt out, you also go on the open register (sometimes called the edited register), which can be sold to any person, company or organisation. That’s how your name and address end up in marketing lists and people-finder sites such as 192.com.
How to opt out
Three ways, using Waltham Forest Council’s process as a typical example:
- When you register to vote, choose to opt out of the open register.
- By phone to your council’s electoral services team.
- By email to electoral services with “Opt Out” in the subject, your full name and address, and a clear statement that you want to opt out of the open register.
Waltham Forest confirms by email within five working days. Your council’s process will be similar; search “[your council] open register opt out”. In Northern Ireland, contact the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
What changes, and what doesn’t
Changes: future editions of the open register won’t include you, so new buyers won’t get your details.
Doesn’t change:
- copies already sold or already published on people-finder sites;
- your right to vote;
- credit checks, which use the full register.
So pair the opt-out with removal requests on sites that already list you.
Who should definitely do this
- anyone who has moved to get away from someone;
- people in public-facing jobs (teachers, nurses, police, landlords);
- anyone tired of junk mail.
For stronger protection, some people can register anonymously. Ask your council about anonymous registration if your safety is at risk.
Then tackle the rest
Register with the Telephone and Mailing Preference Services, and check the breach side of your footprint with a free email exposure check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the open register?
An edited version of the electoral register that can be bought by any person, company or organisation.
How do I opt out of the open register?
Tick the opt-out when you register to vote, or contact your council’s electoral services by phone or email.
Will opting out affect my credit score or vote?
No. You stay on the full register, which is used for elections and credit checks.
Will it remove me from 192.com?
Not on its own. It stops future open register copies; request removal from 192.com separately.
Sources
- Waltham Forest Council: How to opt out of the open register
- Offlist: How 192.com uses the open register