Electoral registration system is changing this summer

Over the summer all Shropshire residents will receive a letter through the post, or have a visit by a canvasser, telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years.

Shropshire Council’s Electoral Registration Officer will write to approximately 230,000 people throughout Shropshire.  The letter will explain that a new, more secure, system of Individual Electoral Registration is being introduced to replace the old Victorian system where the ‘head of household’ registered everyone living in a property.  Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

Many Shropshire residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering quickly and easily online.

Claire Porter, Shropshire Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said:

“Shropshire Council residents will receive a letter during August 2014 that will explain the change to the electoral registration system.  Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the new register or not.  If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information, and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.”

Samantha Mills, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said:

“This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration.  We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”

For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters.  If you do not receive a letter contact Shropshire Council’s electoral services team on 0345 678 9015 or email: registration@shropshire.gov.uk.