Residents asked to check electoral register details are correct
Shropshire 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.
The annual canvass – which starts today (Monday 31 July 2023) – ensures that the electoral register is kept up-to-date, and identifies 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.
Over the coming weeks, Shropshire Council will be contacting many of its residents about this by email, and some will get a form in the post.
Voters are being encouraged to complete the online registration process by Tuesday 15 August 2023.
Andy Begley, the electoral registration officer for Shropshire Council, said:
“It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages from us, which 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 we can make sure that we have all the right details on the Electoral Register for every address in our area.”
Voters are being encouraged to complete their online registration process by Tuesday 15 August but may, if they do not have online access, contact the council’s Customer Services Team on 0345 678 9015, who can assist them with their registration over the telephone.
If someone is not currently registered, their name will not appear in the messages the council sends.
If anyone needs to register to vote, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter communications and check the details.
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 (eg fraud), calling people for jury service, or checking credit applications.
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.
