Electoral Roll Revision

What is the electoral roll?

The electoral roll is a register of people who can elect others in the church. It's similar to being on the civic electoral roll, which allows you to vote in local and Parliamentary elections. Being on the church electoral roll means you can vote on relevant issues at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

Although the electoral roll is the closest thing the Church of England has to official membership, signing up doesn’t make you a member of the church. You become a ‘member’ by regularly attending St Martin's and participating in church life, which is your reason for being on the electoral roll.

What's happening this year, and why should I be on the electoral roll?

Every six years, each church has to renew its electoral roll, and that's the case this year! It might not sound very exciting, but it’s an important thing that we need to do as a church. Everyone, whether or not you have been on the electoral roll before, needs to re-enrol.

How to apply to be on the electoral roll

To apply for the church electoral roll, you must:

• Be 16 years old or over (although you can apply in the year you become 16 and be on the electoral roll once your birthday has passed)
• Be baptised
• Either live in the parish or have attended the church regularly for at least six months

You can also be on the electoral roll of more than one church. For a comprehensive guide to the Church of England's rules and guidelines for Electoral Rolls and representation, visit: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/legal-resources/church-representation-rules

Other benefits

Joining the electoral roll can confirm your commitment to the St Martin’s community and our vision. As well as having a vote in the APCM, it means you could be nominated and elected onto the PCC. It also allows you to be further involved in the wider Church of England if you're interested, and stand for Deanery, Diocese, or General Synods, the latter being the Church's 'parliament'.

When is this happening?

Each year, we have a specific time period to update the electoral roll. This year, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting is on Sunday, 18th May 2025. The electoral roll will be open from Friday, 14th March through to Monday, 28th May, and you'll be able to view the new, complete roll upon request from Saturday, 3rd May.

What happens to my information?

We will keep your information secure, following UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) regulations. Please see our Privacy Notice at https://www.stmartinswalsall.org/privacy-notice for more information. If you have any questions, please email the electoral roll officer at electoralroll@stmartinswalsall.org.

SO where do I sign up?!

Please go here for the online enrolment form.

If you prefer, you can fill in a PDF form here. This form can be downloaded and emailed to Colin Townsend, the electoral roll officer, at electoralroll@stmartinswalsall.org. Alternatively, you can print it out and give it to him, but please use email to save paper, though paper forms will also be available in church for those who aren’t online.

Thank you so much for being an active member of St Martin's Church.

Every blessing,

Colin Townsend Electoral Roll Officer