What is an Electoral Roll?

When researching the history of a house, one of the most valuable resources at your disposal is the electoral register. Electoral Registers are lists created every year of people who are eligible to vote and helpfully the records include their reason for eligibility- this could be due to their their residence or because of ownership of a property. Until 1918, the voting rights were closely linked to property ownership

The electoral registers list those entitled and registered to vote in both national and local elections. However, the rules governing voting eligibility underwent several changes between 1832 and 1928. Before 1918, for instance, only men who owned or rented property, along with select male lodgers, could vote nationally. Subsequently, the expansion of voting rights granted suffrage to all men over 21 in 1918, irrespective of property ownership. Furthermore, women over 30 with property qualifications gained the right to vote in the same year, alongside specific business owners and university graduates. Finally, in 1928, universal suffrage was achieved for adults over 21, regardless of property or employment status, marking a significant milestone in electoral history. The voting age was later reduced to 18 in 1969.

These registers typically include

Name

Address or abode
Nature of qualification or a description of property
Name, description and residence of landlord or other person to whom rent is paid
Occasionally occupation or age.

In addition to electoral registers, directories, also known as trade or street directories, serve as invaluable resources for tracing household occupants. These annual records list the principal residents of a house, providing names and occupations. Particularly abundant from the 19th and 20th centuries, directories offer snapshots of household inhabitants between census years. While the level of detail may vary, directories complement electoral registers by offering additional insights into occupants' social and economic backgrounds, enriching our understanding of a house's history.

Where can I find Electoral rolls online?

You can search the England & Wales, Electoral Registers 1832-1932 on Findmypast (£). Its a little tricky to search by address- but the keyword search can help!