Electoral Roll

What is the Electoral Roll?

It is a list of baptised lay members of the Church of England over the age of sixteen who live in the parish or attend public worship there, and who form the church’s register of electors; it is the list of people qualified to attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting where questions are raised on parish matters and matters of general church interest, and where the Parochial Church Council is elected.

What difference does it make to have a Roll?

The laity have their place in every aspect of church life, including its doctrine and services. An enrolled member is a voting member of the Church of England and so helps to ensure that the Parochial Church Council. the Deanery Synod and the General Synod are fully representative of its members.

Does a young person have to be 16 when he/she completes the application form?

A 15 year old who will be 16 before the annual meeting may be entered on the Roll provisionally; the entry will take effect on his/her birthday.

Who Can Be Married At Norbury?

The basic rule is this: You can be married at Norbury if you are resident in the parish at the time of the calling of the Marriage Banns in church, or if you are on the Electoral Roll of the church. (In certain circumstances you can be married at Norbury by Archbishop’s Licence, no matter where you live. but this process is lengthy, and there is a big extra fee).

So if you live in the parish and you think you might want to get married at Norbury in the future, then get on the Electoral Roll! (You might move away before your wedding, and that makes thing more complicated). This topic is especially relevant, since the Electoral Roll is being completely updated this month.

Elizabeth Olsson, Electoral Roll Officer