Electoral Roll
---> Join the Electoral Roll HERE! <---
Or complete this application form and email it to office@ccweb.org.uk or post it to Electoral Roll, Christ Church Office, Linden Gate, Clifton Down Road, Bristol, BS8 4AH.
Joining the Electoral Roll is a way of saying ‘I belong’ – an act of commitment to the local church and to the church as a whole. It also enables you to vote at the church's annual meeting (the APCM). If you are eligible to join, we would love to encourage you to sign up.
To be on Christ Church's church electoral roll you need to have worshipped at Christ Church regularly for at least the last six months OR be resident in the parish. You should be baptised and at least 16 years old. If you are unsure of the parish boundaries, you can view them here.
What is the Electoral Roll?
The Electoral Roll is the list of electors at Christ Church. In the same way that being on the civic Electoral Roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining the Electoral Roll at Christ Church means that you can vote on church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Being on the Electoral Roll does NOT make you a “member” of Christ Church; simply regarding Christ Church as your spiritual home does that. Indeed, a condition of joining the Roll is that you are already a “member” of the church family here at Christ Church!
Do I have to join?
You can of course be a full and active member of Christ 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, both locally and nationally. And joining the Electoral Roll is necessary if you want to stand for election to the PCC or other synodical councils (such as the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synod) or attend and vote at the APCM. Joining the Electoral 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 Christ Church, you should be on the Electoral Roll!
But I'm already on the Electoral Roll!
Every six years, a completely new Electoral Roll is created, and this happened in 2025. If you didn't re-join in 2025, you may not be on the new Roll. Check with the church office to find out.
What does the Electoral Roll affect?
The Electoral Roll is the only official register of membership within the Church of England. When the national press talk about numbers attending church services, this is based on Electoral Roll figures. As such, it is a great encouragement to our Bishop and the national church for the Electoral Roll at Christ Church to be as representative as possible of the actual members of our Church family. In addition, the size of our Electoral Roll affects the number of representatives on the PCC and the other synodical bodies. In a large church like Christ Church, this is less significant than for smaller churches, but we still wish to be as representative as possible. Numbers on the Electoral Roll do not directly affect our Parish Share – this is the amount we give to the diocese each year to cover the cost of our clergy and other central costs.
I’m convinced – how do I join?
Please complete the application form using one of the options above.
Any other questions?
Please speak to a member of the Welcome Team, a member of staff, or contact the Church Office. We would be delighted to help.