HOW TO GUIDE
How to Opt Out of the Electoral Roll Open Register in the UK
Updated July 2026 · 6 min read · By Silent Erase | ICO Registered C1971457
Most UK residents do not know that there are actually two versions of the electoral roll — and one of them is sold to data brokers, cold callers and anyone willing to pay for it. This guide explains the difference and how to remove yourself from the version that is sold commercially.
Did you know?
The open electoral register is sold to data brokers, credit reference agencies, direct marketing companies and anyone else who wants to buy it. Your name and address on this register is a key source of data for cold callers and scammers.
The Two Electoral Registers
The Full Register — contains the details of everyone registered to vote. This is used for elections and jury service and is only available to a limited number of authorised bodies. You cannot opt out of this one.
The Open Register (also called the Edited Register) — a version of the electoral roll that is sold commercially to anyone who wants to buy it. You CAN opt out of this one and you should.
How to Opt Out of the Open Register
1
Contact your local council
The electoral register is managed by your local council. You need to contact them directly to opt out of the open register. Find your local council at gov.uk/find-local-council.
2
Request removal from the open register
Contact your council by phone, email or letter and ask to be removed from the open register. Some councils have an online form for this. State clearly that you want to opt out of the open register but remain on the full register for voting purposes.
3
Complete the annual canvass form correctly
Every year your council sends out an annual canvass form. When you complete it there is an option to opt out of the open register. Make sure you tick this box every year as your preference may reset.
4
Confirm the change
Ask your council to confirm in writing that you have been removed from the open register. The change should take effect at the next register update.
Important:
Opting out of the open register does NOT affect your right to vote, your ability to stand for election or your presence on jury service lists. It only removes you from the commercially sold version of the register.
Will This Stop Cold Calls and Junk Mail?
Opting out of the open register will reduce cold calls and junk mail over time as your details are removed from commercially purchased lists. However data brokers may already hold your data from previous versions of the register and will continue to sell it until you send individual removal requests.
For comprehensive protection you need to:
1. Opt out of the open register (this guide)
2. Remove your data from data broker sites individually or use Silent Erase to do it automatically
3. Register with the Telephone Preference Service at tpsonline.org.uk
4. Register with the Mail Preference Service at mpsonline.org.uk
What About the BT Phone Directory?
If your landline number is listed in the BT phone directory contact BT and request ex-directory status. This removes your number from directory enquiries and many data broker sites that use BT data as a source.
Remove Your Data from 500+ Data Broker Sites
Opting out of the open register is just one step. Silent Erase removes your data from 500+ data broker sites that may already hold your information.