Shropshire residents urged to look out for their voter registration messages
Local residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up-to-date.
Voters are being encouraged to complete their online registration process by 17 August 2021.
Make sure your correct details are on the Electoral Register
The annual canvass ensures that the electoral register is kept up-to-date, identifying any residents who are not yet registered, so that they can be encouraged to do so. They would then be able take part in any future elections.
Andy Begley, the Electoral Registration Officer for Shropshire Council, said:
It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages from us, which this year for many people will be in the form of an email, rather than a form through the post.
The email will contain a two-part security code and a link to a secure registration website. Electors should carefully follow the instructions contained in the voter registration message, so that Shropshire Council can make sure that they have all the right details on the Electoral Register for every address in its area.
Voters are being encouraged to complete their online registration process by 17 August, but may, if they do not have online access, contact our Customer Services Team on 0345 678 9015, who can assist them with their registration over the telephone.
If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send.
If you need to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.
As this year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a pandemic, while restrictions have eased, we are working hard to ensure that we continue to take account of public health guidelines.
Over the coming weeks, Shropshire Council will be contacting many of its residents about this by email. Some residents will get a form in the post.
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for our voter communications and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered, than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.
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. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed, will ensure the process runs smoothly.
This is particularly helpful in the current public health situation, as it will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.
“There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter.
Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at 0345 678 9015 or by email at registration@shropshire.gov.uk
Further information
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Full details of the Electoral Commission’s research on the electoral registers can be found on its website.
