The parish church electoral roll is the first building block of the church’s governance structure. It is a register of the lay members of the church who are entitled to vote at the APCM.Every 6th year starting from 2025, a new Electoral Roll must be made.Those on the roll are eligible to be elected to lay representative positions on their PCC and deanery synod. Deanery synod representatives may then be elected to diocesan synod and general synod.The total number on the parish church electoral roll, as presented at the APCM, is an important factor in determining the number of lay representatives (parochial and deanery synod) that a parish may have. Given this, each year a formal process is undertaken by the PCC, as preparation for the APCM, to review and ensure the roll's accuracy.

Under the Church Representation Rules, a lay person is entitled to have his or her name entered on the roll, if the person –

a. is baptised,

b. is aged 16 or over, and

c. has made one of the following three declarations and duly applied for enrolment.

1.   The first declaration is that the person is a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it and is resident in the parish.

2.   The second declaration is that the person is a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it, is not resident in the parish, but has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.

3.   The third declaration is that the person is a member in good standing of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and is also a member of the Church of England and has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.

Application Forms for enrolment can be obtained from the Church Electoral Roll Officer. In order to be entitled to attend the annual parochial church meeting and to take part in its proceedings, you must return the Application Form for enrolment as soon as possible.