Electoral registration data standards

cross in box on election form

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice issued a direction in April 2008 requiring electoral registration officers to take steps to ensure that electors' details contained within electoral registers are stored to a consistent standard.

The direction sets standards for the formatting of names, dates of birth and addresses in electoral registers. The direction requires all electoral registration officers to comply by 1 December 2009.

The direction was issued on behalf of the Secretary of State and pursuant to section 52(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983. It follows a recommendation by the Electoral Commission.

Implementing the standards: guidance and case studies

The guidance below, on implementing the standards, was developed with help from the Association of Electoral Administrators, electoral registration officers and technical experts. It provides information on:

  • understanding the standards
  • managing the matching process
  • dealing with technical issues
  • managing suppliers
  • claiming funding.

Additional guidance has been issued and we will continue to circulate updates as issues are raised. If you have any queries about the guidance or the standards please email us.

The case studies, provided by councils, cover their approaches to implementing the data standards, including dealing with issues and problems. We will publish other case studies as we receive them.

Guidance

Case studies