The Electoral Registration Officer makes and keeps two versions of the register - the full register and the edited register.

Before the introduction of the two versions of the register in 2002, any company, organisation or person could buy a copy of the register. The law was changed so that you now have some choice about who can buy your details.

The Full Register – lists everyone who is entitled to vote. Only certain people and organisations can have copies of the full register, and they can only use it for specified purposes. These include electoral purposes, the prevention and detection of crime and checking your identity when you have applied for credit. The law says who can have copies of the full register and what they can use it for. The full list of such persons is given in the Representation of the People (England and Wales)(Amendment) Regulations 2002 and include

•The British Library,

•Returning and Acting Returning Officers for any election in the area

•The Office for National Statistics

•The Electoral Commission

•The Boundary Commission for England

•Jury Central Summoning Bureau

•Local Constituency organisations of registered political parties – Conservative Party Central Office & South Devon Conservative group, Labour party & Totnes Constituency Labour party, Totnes Liberal Democrats.

•Credit Reference Agencies –  e.g. Aristotle, Call Credit, Equifax, Experian

It is a criminal offence for them to pass it on to anyone else or to use it for any other purpose.

The Edited Register – leaves out the names and addresses of people who have asked for them to be excluded from that version of the register. The edited register can be bought by anyone who asks for a copy and they may use it for any purpose.

The Register of Electors is a public document and as such is available for inspection at Follaton House. The Edited Register can be viewed in main reception Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5.00pm and Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. The Full Register can only be viewed under supervision so you will need to make an appointment to inspect it in the Electoral Services Office by telephoning 01803 861234.