I assume most people here already are registered but just in case: here’s the link.

  • Flax
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    96 months ago

    Worth noting things like jury service are selected from the electoral register. So you are basically opting in to democratic society.

    I guess the government would also need to collect citizen data unnecessarily without consent in order to be automatically opted in. The UK is actually kind of libertarian in some aspects in autonomy around identity and right to be known to the government, etc. Although it would be basically impossible to actually function in the society and not be on some form of system, you could probably exist without anything more than your birth being registered.

    • @steeznson
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      6 months ago

      You can kind of have your cake and eat it though. If you just ask HR to provide a letter saying they need you at work, so you need to be excused from jury duty. I’ve done that like 4 times over 3 workplaces.

      Edit: then the other cheat code is asking the assessor if “jury nullification” exists in the UK

    • @[email protected]
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      6 months ago

      opting in

      It’s an offence to refuse to provide your details. It’s compulsory, not optional. I’ve had someone come to my front door and demand I fill in the form.

      • @[email protected]
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        16 months ago

        Wow. Apparently that changed in 2013 as well.

        Honestly don’t blame folks for not knowing this. With all the voter ID stuff it really was not made clear to the public that a fine was added. Most brits grew up in a system where it was entirly optional.

        There really has been no attempt at publishing this change.

        It only applies if a registration officer specifically asks you to register. And honestly that has been very rare up to now. Makes me wonder why the tories felt this was needed.

      • Flax
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        -16 months ago

        It’s not an offence to refuse to register to vote. You sure you weren’t being scammed?

        • @Womble
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          26 months ago

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

          What happens if you do not register

          You must register to vote if you’re asked to do so and you meet the conditions for registering, for example you’re 16 or over and you’re British or a national of an EU or Commonwealth country.

          If you’re asked to register and do not, you could be fined.

          You shouldnt confidently state things that you are uninformed about

        • @[email protected]
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          16 months ago

          Apparently since 2013. Yes it is. Took a while to find the law. So honestly the gov really did not point it out to folks. The ID stuff overrode this change.

          It only applies if a registration officer actually asks you to do so. And that request must be given in writing. So honestly I can’t help but wonder why they felt the need to add it.

    • @[email protected]
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      16 months ago

      The UK is actually kind of libertarian in some aspects in autonomy around identity and right to be known to the government, etc

      I’ve noticed that too. My uncle forgot about all of it in his twenties and heard nothing more until he was contacted about claiming his state pension a few years ago. It’s not all bad I guess.