Don’t lose your vote – look out for your voter registration details in the post

Shropshire residents planning to vote in the general election on 12 December, and in next May’s Police and Crime Commissioner election, are being urged to complete or respond to their ‘annual canvass’ form as soon as possible.

Forms have been sent in the post asking people to check and update information that appears on the electoral register for their address.

The form ensures that Shropshire Council can keep the electoral register up-to-date and identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. This will mean that residents will be able take part in any future elections.

National legislation requires that Shropshire Council must send out the forms annually at this time of year.

Responses can be sent online, by phone, by text, or by signing and returning the form by post.

Anyone who responded to the annual canvas last year must still do this year.

People who are not already registered, and want to vote in the forthcoming general election will need to register by 5pm on Tuesday 26 November 2019.

Claire Porter, electoral registration officer at Shropshire Council said:

“It’s important that residents respond as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the Shropshire Council area. To make sure you are able to have your say at elections taking place this year and next, simply check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can. If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form.

“If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. In any case, you will still need to respond to the form.”

Melanie Davidson, head of support and improvement at the Electoral Commission, said:

“It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so; checking the form that will arrive through the post is one of the easiest ways to find out if you’re already registered. There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website – www.yourvotematters.co.uk.”

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those that have lived at the same address for a long time.

Across Great Britain, 94% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 40% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Any residents who have any questions can contact Shropshire Council’s electoral services  team on 0345 678 9015, or email registration@shropshire.gov.uk.

Some frequently-asked questions about the canvass

Q – I have already responded to the form, however have received a reminder. Do I need to do this again?
A – We will have sent a reminder because we have not received a response to the original. Please reply again.

Q – How do I change opt in/out status for the open register?
A – Call us on 0345 678 9015. We will then confirm your request in writing.

Q – The form says I have a postal or a proxy vote in place, How do I cancel?
A – You will need to write to us or email (email address must include full name of the elector) to request cancellation (Electoral Services, Shirehall, Shropshire SY2 6ND or email elections@shropshire.gov.uk)

Q – How do I apply for a postal or proxy vote?
A – You must complete the relevant application that can be downloaded from www.yourvotematters.co.uk.

Q – I have changed my name (marriage/divorce/deed poll)
A – You can apply to register to vote with your new name at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote: please ensure that you provide your previous surname so that the new application can be linked to your old registration. Alternatively, please update your details on the household enquiry form. Once received we will send you a Change of Name form for completion and return. We will need a copy of your marriage/decree absolute or deed poll document to accompany the form.

Further information about the electoral register and voting

1.  The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as: detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications.

2. The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

3. To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:

• Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18).
• A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.
• A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state.

6. British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta), as well as citizens of other EU member states can vote in local government elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.

7. Full details of the Electoral Commission’s research on the electoral registers can be found on its website.