policywonk - what bad info ?
re "It's not the law that you have to be on the electoral roll, though, is it?"
I understand it comes under the "Representation of the People Act" but from the way I read it (not being a law maker) I felt the impetus was on the Electoral Registration Officer to make efforts to ensure everyone is registered.
Our council threatens a fine of 1000 pounds.
AFAIK, the "secondary" reason for being on it (and why there's a column for being over 70) concerns jury service. The website www.aboutmyvote.co.uk doesn't make any mention of "having to vote" and the old TV campaigns (with young adults shown with a zip over their lips) went on the theme of "to make your voice heard" or "have your say" without any mention of chance of a fine or that Jury Service (+ Police, for identity checks) use the ER as well.
The "about my vote" site only stresses the 'opportunity to vote'
O It gives you a say on important issues that affect you
O If you don?t register, you can?t vote!
O It gives you a say on who represents you in your local council, in the UK Parliament and in Europe
O Elections can be called at short notice, and if you?re not registered you won?t be able to vote
O If you?re a student living away from home, you can register twice
O Across the world people have died fighting for the right to vote and be part of a democracy
O Because it?s easier than you think!
Interesting that there's nothing to say whether a student (if they can travel the distance in the time available) could vote twice (as it looks legal, even if it is unlikely).
There is sometimes mention of the Credit Reference Agencies having access...