Pros and cons of the electoral roll

newman11

My cousin is currently not on the electoral roll and was going to sign up soon but we were discussing that most of the arguments I can see for being on it are to help with your credit score. He's never had any problems obtaining any credit and has a few cards etc so I was wondering is it really worth it?

Are there any actual benefits to not being on it?

Mallotum_X

You can opt out of the full register so you don't get junk mail etc. I was under the impression you have to be registered by law so you cant just decide not to be on it.

lfc321

As above - you have to register by law. And obviously if you don't you can't vote either.

What are the cons that you came up with that would make it worth not registering?

scottishblondie

Its the law to register. Opt out of the edited register to avoid junk mail etc.

kingstreet

It's the edited register you opt out of to avoid junk mail.

lauraland

I'm not on it at present - and just had a letter warning of a potential £1000 fine if my household does not register details. I was unaware that its the law to register - has it always been this way?

giraffe69

has it always been this way?

Well, the 1832 Reform Act changed things and even then women couldn't register to vote at all until 1918. The requirement to register is not a new one.

Lou67

You do HAVE to be on the electoral register yes, by law, but as the good people on here have said, you can opt out of the public register. (so you don't get spam mail and suchlike.) I personally don't like the 'big brother' aspect as anyone can have a mooch through the public records, and register with 192.com (I think) and if they have a rough idea where you live; they can find *exactly* where you live. Bit unnerving I think. But I still register, as you HAVE to, and it can cause issues if you don't.

There can be problems with credit and all kinds of things:. I heard the other week, about someone who had a problem with claiming housing benefit, because they weren't registered as living at the house they were trying to claim at. You can also have issues with getting a mortgage or car finance and all sorts, and of course you won't be able to vote.

Check this out - posted on MSE some time ago.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/758777

G_M

The major con, as said above, is the risk of a criminal record...

Thrugelmir

lauraland wrote: »

I'm not on it at present - and just had a letter warning of a potential £1000 fine if my household does not register details. I was unaware that its the law to register - has it always been this way?

The fine is relatively new.

The_Earl_of_Streatham

Sometimes I think Magna Carta may have died in vain.