Hertsmere 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.
With whole council elections taking place in Hertsmere in May 2023, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The annual canvass ensures that Hertsmere Borough Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.
In 2020 the government introduced new legislation on the way local authorities deliver the canvass. Only households that have been identified as potentially having changes will receive the traditional canvass form.
Sam Langford, Electoral Services Manager, said: “It’s important that residents look out for messages from Hertsmere Borough Council, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the borough. We will send you an email or letter for you to respond to. To make sure you are able to have your say at the next elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want 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.”
Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Sam added: “We would also like to encourage people to supply their email addresses. By allowing us to contact you via email it reduces the necessity for a canvasser to knock or paper forms to be sent.
“Please remember that adding your name to the canvass form does not automatically register you to vote. If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you have registered recently, you are still required to respond to the canvass if your household receives a form.”
Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to look out for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.
“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Residents who have any questions can contact the elections team on 020 8207 7481 or email elections@hertsmere.gov.uk. You can also find out more on our website: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/annualcanvass
For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk
0 Comments