Federation Of Family History Societies

Edited Electoral Register Consultation (ref: CP 46/09)

The Government is considering a recommendation to scrap the Edited Electoral Register and before announcing its decision it is carrying out a consultation exercise.  The Federation has put forward the following argument in favour of retaining the register.

“This response to the consultation is being made on behalf of the trustees and members of The Federation of Family History Societies.  The Federation represents nearly all the Family History Societies in England and Wales.  The combined membership of these societies is in the region of 80,000.  One of the key aims of our societies is to ensure the preservation of records relevant to family history, and to ensure that access to these records is maintained.

“As well as tracing ancestors, many family historians are keen to discover living relatives.  This is where the Edited Electoral Register (EER) is of value.  This is a unique resource as it allows searches by name without having to know an address.  This is a distinct advantage over directories, which also have the disadvantage of listing only the head of household whereas the EER will give all adult members.

“On behalf of all family historians we urge you to retain the EER in its present form.  There is no objection to giving greater prominence to the right to opt out of this, nor to clarifying the uses to which the EER may be put.  This would enable voters to make a more informed choice regarding opting out.

“We see a similarity between the EER and the telephone directory from which it is also possible to opt out.  Nobody has suggested that the latter should be scrapped.”

Roger Lewry
FFHS Archives Liaison

9 March 2010