Local residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure the electoral registration details held for them by us are up to date.
The annual canvass ensures that we 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.
Rory Ringer, Deputy Electoral Registration Officer at Breckland Council, said: “It’s important that residents look out for messages about the annual canvass from us, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in our district. From 27 July we’re sending out emails to every resident we have an email address for, so please look out for yours. To make sure you are able to have your say at elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
“It’s very important that you respond to the email to confirm that the details we have about you are correct, or to let us know what changes need to be made. Anyone who hasn’t responded to an email by 9 August will receive a paper form: we’d urge as many people as possible to respond to their email online; it’s quick, convenient and helps us save money on printing and postage costs.”
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register to vote the easiest way is online.
People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from us and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission, published in 2019, 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 sixteen 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. Checking the messages that you will get from your local authority is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed and register to vote online”
Information on registering to vote is available on theon the Electoral Commission website
Find out more information about elections and voting in Breckland
