How to register to vote
Register to vote online at GOV.UK. Registering takes around 5 minutes, and you will need your National Insurance number. If you're a British citizen living abroad, you need your passport.
Not being registered can also impact applications for mortgages or mobile phones since credit reference agencies use the register to validate applications.
We can also send you a registration form; please get in touch with us via elections@knowsley.gov.uk or 0151 443 3583.
Who can vote
To be able to vote:
- You must be a resident in the electoral area
- You must be a British or Irish citizen, a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of a European Union country
- You must be 18 years of age. 16 or 17 year olds may also be able to register depending on your date of birth
- You must not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote
You can also register if:
- You are working away (unless you are away for more than six months
- You are a resident but are away for the time being (for example - on holiday, students, in hospital - including voluntary patients in psychiatric hospitals)
- You are a lodger or guest (but not short-stay visitors) in the household
- You are an Overseas Elector
Crown Servants and Members of the British Council must register annually. Service Voters and their partners must re-register every five years. However, they may register as an ordinary voter at their home address if they wish.
Finding your National Insurance number
The easiest place to find your National Insurance number is on official paperwork, such as your National Insurance card, payslips or letters from the Department for Work and Pensions or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If you still can’t find it, you can use the HMRC enquiry service.
HMRC won't tell you your National Insurance number over the phone. They will post the information to you.
If you don't know your date of birth
If you do not know your actual date of birth, you may have been given an official one in the past, which can be used to register to vote. This can be found on a passport, adoption certificate, driving licence or naturalisation certificate.
If you do not have one, you must explain why you cannot provide it in your registration application. We may contact you to ask you for other proof of identity.