The Student Room Group

Why do I get an £80 fine if I dont register to vote?

Im 18 and just got a letter saying I have to register to vote or I get fined. That seems like a bit of an over reaction to me, and they've only given me 2 days to do it, how do they enforce this fine anyway? What if I didnt have the 80 pounds?

No answer is an answer and obviously I couldnt care less about voting.

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Original post by Popsiclez
Im 18 and just got a letter saying I have to register to vote or I get fined. That seems like a bit of an over reaction to me, and they've only given me 2 days to do it, how do they enforce this fine anyway? What if I didnt have the 80 pounds?

No answer is an answer and obviously I couldnt care less about voting.

We don't have mandatory voting in this country. But every household has to fill in the Household Enquiry Form every year, which ask questions about who is eligible to vote, but this form is not a 'mandatory voting form' .
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 2
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Popsiclez
OP
21
Original post by Reality Check
We don't have mandatory voting in this country. But every household has to fill in the Household Enquiry Form every year, which ask questions about who is eligible to vote, but this form is not a 'mandatory voting form' .

Then what's the purpose of this letter? Do they send everyone threats in the mail just cause?
If you live in the UK this is a fake letter.
No-one gets fined for not voting or not registering to vote here.

However, if you are not registered to vote ..... do it.
Its online, and very easy : https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

This election is important, and as someone too young to vote in the referendum, your vote matters.
Remember, anyone not voting has no right to complain about anything that happens next.
Original post by Popsiclez
Then what's the purpose of this letter? Do they send everyone threats in the mail just cause?

There is a legal requirement to complete this form - the legislation is Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, which grants local authorities the power require that information be given and penalties enforced for non-compliance. However, it's exceptionally rare for this to happen - mainly because people just fill it in. Like you should...
Original post by Popsiclez
they've only given me 2 days to do it,

Well, no. You have had the whole period between moving into your current address or turned 17 to do it, rather longer than two days.
Because your not living in a democracy.
Original post by ArsenalFCman
Because your not living in a democracy.

Umm, it's actually the exact opposite of this. :facepalm:

It's because we live in a democracy that Electoral Services need to know who is eligible to vote so that people can exercise their democratic right.
Reply 8
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Bio 7
21
Original post by returnmigrant
If you live in the UK this is a fake letter.
No-one gets fined for not voting or not registering to vote here.

However, if you are not registered to vote ..... do it.
Its online, and very easy : https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

This election is important, and as someone too young to vote in the referendum, your vote matters.
Remember, anyone not voting has no right to complain about anything that happens next.


Not voting because you don't like the options is also valid and you can still complain.
Reply 9
Avatar for Drewski
Drewski
19
It's not hard to fill out a form.

You're completely free to not vote
Original post by Reality Check
Umm, it's actually the exact opposite of this. :facepalm:

It's because we live in a democracy that Electoral Services need to know who is eligible to vote so that people can exercise their democratic right.

I was talking about the £80 side of things... And any forced filling of forms.
Original post by Drewski
You're talking out of your arse, you mean

No, I'm not a politician or a pharmacist.
Being registered to vote doesn’t mean you actually have to vote.
Reply 13
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Popsiclez
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21
Original post by Andrew97
Being registered to vote doesn’t mean you actually have to vote.

If that's the case why is registering compulsory. They want me to just register, just to not vote?
Original post by Popsiclez
If that's the case why is registering compulsory. They want me to just register, just to not vote?

So they know who lives there.
Reply 15
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Popsiclez
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21
Original post by Drewski
So they know who lives there.

-At my inconvenience, great
Reply 16
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Napp
22
Original post by ArsenalFCman
I was talking about the £80 side of things... And any forced filling of forms.

Not sure what a fine has to do with not being a democracy...
Oh its a bloody form, do grow a pair.
Original post by Popsiclez
-At my inconvenience, great

I'm inclined to agree with Drewski's assessment of your time...
Original post by Napp
Not sure what a fine has to do with not being a democracy...
Oh its a bloody form, do grow a pair.

I'm inclined to agree with Drewski's assessment of your time...

I've got a huge pair thank you very much. Woman complement me often.
Reply 18
Avatar for Napp
Napp
22
Original post by ArsenalFCman
I've got a huge pair thank you very much. Woman complement me often.

Pahahaha.
The fact you need to attempt to make that claim rather undercuts you..
Original post by ArsenalFCman
I've got a huge pair thank you very much. Woman complement me often.

Your mum doesn't count

It's just bants

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