Electoral Rolls

Electoral Registers

Began in 1832 and have been compiled annually, with the exceptions of 1916 – 1917 and 1940 – 1944, ever since.

Electoral Registers are held at The British Library.  There may also be copies at local Libraries or Record Offices.

The available 19^th Century Registers does not list every dwelling as there were restrictions on those eligible to vote, based on value of property, either as owner (as may be living remotely) or tenant.

19^th Century, Electoral Registers available; for Dorstone:

1873. 1874. 1875. 1877. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885.  As transcribed.

The 20^th Century, Electoral Registers available for Dorstone; 1927. 1928. 1930. 1931.  Lists everyone eligible to vote and address.  As transcribed.

The index letters used in columns “Parliamentary” and “Local Govt” refer to the nature of the qualification of an elector as follows:

Pre 1930:

R.  Residence qualification.

B.P.   Business premises qualification.

O.  Occupation qualification.

H.O.  Qualification through husband’s occupation.

N.M.  Naval or Military voter

†  Not entitled to vote in respect of that entry at elections of County Councillors.

‡  Not entitled to vote in respect of that entry at elections of Rural District Councillors.

§  Not entitled to vote in respect of that entry at elections of a Borough, Metropolitan Borough or Urban District, at elections for Borough or District Councillors and Parish     Councillors or at Parish Meetings.

*  Will vote at another polling place at Parliamentary elections.

a.  Absent voter.

JURORS:  Persons who are qualified to serve as jurors are indicated by the letters: J Juror.      S J  Special Juror.

Men	Women
R.  Residence qualification.	Rw.  Residence qualification
B.  Business premises qualification	Bw.  Business premises qualification
O.  Occupation qualification.	Ow.  Occupation qualification.
D  Qualification through wife’s occupation	Dw.  Qualification through husband’s occupation.
All others as pre 1930.