Electoral Rolls

[Pearsonclan]

Has any one got any ideas on how to access these records
These are not for the north east but for Surrey. Let me explain
A relative of mine was born in Austrailia in 1886 shortly after his parents arrived there. A search has shown that he came to england in 1953 and shows an address in surrey where he was going to stay and i was wondering if it was a b&b or could it be a relative.
I just don't know where to start looking. Any other ideas would be grateful
Thanks
Cilla

[stanmapstone]

You will find copies either at the local library/record office or the British Library. The British Library has the national collection of electoral registers from 1832 to the present day. The collection is complete from 1947 onwards, but patchy before World War 2.
http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelprestype/offpubs/electreg/electoral.html
There is a guide at
http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelprestype/offpubs/electreg/electoralregisters.pdf
Electoral Registers were not indexed by name, you need to know the address before you can find someone.  This arrangement is a major drawback for the genealogist and even with a street address a search may take a great deal of time. the electoral registers being arranged by polling district or ward, and then by street or road.

Stan

[Pearsonclan]

hi stan
I have looked at the sites you gave me still no wiser i must be thick or just to old. Does this mean i will have to go to the british library. Can i get details online or by phone. Living in the north east does have it's draw backs. I do have the address but no postcode. Don't even know if there was postcodes in the 1950s
Thanks for your help
Cilla

[stanmapstone]

Hi Cilla,
There are no Electoral Registers available on-line, and there were no post codes in the 1950s. If you have the address you could try contacting Surrey History Centre at 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6ND
Tel: 01483 518737 Email: shs(at)surreycc.gov.uk  and see if they can help.
Replace (at) with @
Stan

[Pearsonclan]

Hi Stan
Thanks for that I will try them
Kind Regards
Cilla