What is the Electoral Roll?

It is your parish church’s register of electors. In the same way that being on the civic electoral roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining the Church Electoral Roll means that you can vote on Church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and stand for election to the PCC.

Being on the Electoral Roll does NOT make you a “member” of the Church; simply regarding B&A Church as your spiritual home does that. 

Do I have to join?

You can, of course, be a full and active member of B&A Church without joining the Roll. Being on the Electoral Roll does not entail signing up to any additional commitments, however, it does help the Church show its strength. Representation on the governing bodies of the church depends on the number on the Electoral Roll.

Joining the Roll is compulsory if you wish to:

  • Stand for election to the PCC or other synodical council (such as the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synod)

  • Attend the APCM and participate in votes

What does the Electoral Roll affect?

The maximum number of PCC lay members. If the Roll is not representative this means that the PCC is too small for the workload involved, putting heavy strain on the members. Representation on the governing bodies of the Church.

The Church of England is governed by a synodical system which joins with the Bishops to make decisions. Being on the Electoral Roll is the entry point and Christians share an individual responsibility to be part of the “Body of Christ” and to participate fully in our part of His Church. This system is intended to enable church people at every level to be in touch with the Church as a whole and to play their part in decision making. Also, the system is intended to ensure that the laity have their place in every aspect of church life, including doctrine and services.

The Electoral Roll does NOT have a direct bearing in the way the Parish Share is assessed – it is based on estimated membership and socio-economic factors. 

Why join the Electoral Roll?

Joining the electoral roll is an important way of confirming your commitment to B&A Church community and to the vision of the church. But it also opens up the way for greater involvement in the life of the Church of England and national levels.

By joining, you become entitled to participate in the government of the church and to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, where the elections take place for:

  • the Parochial Church Council

  • the parish’s representatives on the deanery synod.

Any person entitled to attend the APCM may raise any question of parochial or general church interest.

In addition, those who live outside the Parish but are on the Electoral Roll enjoy all the rights and privileges that go with being resident in the parish (for example, baptisms and weddings). However, if you live outside the Parish and want to be on the Electoral Roll, you have to have been worshipping at B&A Church for a minimum period of six months.

Joining the roll is an important statement of witness and a step along the path of discipleship. With your name on the electoral roll, the strength of the Church can be seen in our local area, and across the Diocese. If you’re a regular at B&A Church, you should be on the electoral roll!

I can’t remember if I have joined already?

A full printout of the current Roll is available in the Church Office. However, in the years when a full revision is required you must submit a new application to be included on the new Roll regardless of whether you were on the previous roll or not.

My details have changed recently

If you are a member of B&A Church and your contact details have recently changed, it would be helpful if you could update your details via myChurchSuite or, if that's not possible, notify the Church Office.

How can I find out the results of the renewal?

The Electoral Roll Officer gives a report at the APCM. Also, a copy of the new Roll is available in the Church Office.

I’m convinced – how do I join?

Application forms can be completed here. Fill in your full name and address, and tick the appropriate boxes. It would assist us greatly if you would also complete the optional ‘Contact Details’ section for our records, particularly email addresses. Please note that only names will appear on the published Roll.