Avoiding the electoral register

JReacher1

usefulmale wrote: »

It's 'up to £1000' fine. In reality £60 - £100.

This says £80

https://www.gov.uk/electoral-register/overview

naedanger

bluenose_ted wrote: »

Hello


I can't find a suitable board for this question, sorry.


How can I best avoid going on the electoral register? I have so far avoided it by ignoring my local councils letters, but now they are threatening to send someone to visit me. I am not interested in the legalities of the question.


I don't want to vote and never have. There is a downside, of course: I can never apply for credit, but I don't want it. I don't a credit card, store card, etc.


If I am forced to go on it, is it possible to avoid junk mail, being contacted, etc. If the FBI did a search against my name and address, I would want it to come up with 'No results found'!


No, I am not a prisoner on the run; it's a principled issue. The less people who know about me, the more I am in my comfort zone.


Thank you.

If you google there is a supposed loophole for legally avoiding registration e.g.

http://crimebodge.com/how-to-vanish-from-the-electoral-register/

Personally while I understand the argument I don't think it will work.

Note the supposed loophole does not require you to meet the standard for anonymous registration. (Obviously if you met the requirement for anonymous registration that option would meet your needs. However I very much doubt you will qualify for that option.)

agrinnall

I'm not sure whether prisoners, who don't currently have a vote, are on the electoral register. If they aren't then perhaps you could commit a serious crime and get yourself banged up for a few years.

lincroft1710

bluenose_ted wrote: »

I sometimes get calls (landline) which I have not answered for a year asking me to buy oven doors, etc. A human voice but a robot.

I've had hundreds of scam/marketing calls over the years, but never one trying to sell me oven doors.

One way to avoid being on the register is to be of no fixed abode, buy a caravan, motorhome, or boat and move from place to place.

bluenose_ted

Many thanks, Keep Pedalling


Regarding the link you kindly sent, this is worrying:


Credit reference agencies can buy the register


They will simply sell your details to the companies, institutions, etc.


Thanks again

exiled_red

I'm confused as to why the electoral register is such an issue, presumably you have bank accounts, gas, electricity, and phone companies who all have your name and address and in my case the majority of junk mail that I get comes from these companies trying to sell me something extra, that or the stuff that isn't addressed to anyone but just gets pushed through everyone's letter box whether they are on the electoral register or not. The annoying phone calls half the time don't have your name so aren't getting details from the electoral register so I imagine you will get those regardless.

Also if you don't want to vote no-one will force you to just because you are on the register.

bluenose_ted

Naedanger


The information in that link about Anonymous Registration is interesting - you don't appear on the register even if your application for anonymity is rejected.


A bit odd.


If eventually the cronies from the council come knocking, I will show them a printed version of that Web page and ask for their views on the matter.


Many thanks indeed

bluenose_ted

exiled_red wrote: »

I'm confused as to why the electoral register is such an issue.

The reason is because of its obligatory nature. Moreover, you are requested to hand over your NI number. If you go to the DWP, they tell you NEVER to give ANYONE your NI number.


When I apply for a job online and I am asked on the application form for my NI number, I contact the company and give them the advice of the DWP. In other words, stop asking for NI numbers.


I see no difference between a company open to fraud using your NI mumber (or job agency) and the council - I don't trust either.

ARandomMiser

If you are serious about the electoral register then for goodness sake get off the web where everything you do is tracked and throw away your mobile phone, best tracking device invented.

naedanger

bluenose_ted wrote: »

Naedanger


The information in that link about Anonymous Registration is interesting - you don't appear on the register even if your application for anonymity is rejected.


A bit odd.


If eventually the cronies from the council come knocking, I will show them a printed version of that Web page and ask for their views on the matter.


Many thanks indeed

I think the rationale is that people in genuine fear for their safety (if their name was on the register) would not apply for anonymous registration if they thought that should they fail their name would appear. Therefore if applicants fail to meet the requirement for anonymous registration they can avoid appearing on the register at all (although will then not get a vote).

However, personally I would not rely on the loophole. I suspect pressure might be brought to bear on anyone seen to be blatantly abusing the process.

There may also be flaws in the supposed loophole, since I doubt the source is an expert on electoral law.