There is just over a month left for Hertsmere residents to check their voter registration deadlines or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
The annual canvass allows Hertsmere Borough Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register to vote before it’s too late. The deadline for the annual canvass is 24 November 2024.
Canvassers have been out and about visiting residents who have not yet responded to the annual canvass to encourage them to check their registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
All residents need to respond to the canvass form, even those who have recently submitted or completed their electoral registration.
Anastasia Evans, Acting Electoral Services Manager at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. The annual canvass has been running since August and we have written to residents urging them to check their details on the electoral register to make sure they are able to have their say at the next elections.
“Our canvassers have also visited households in the borough of people who have been invited to respond to this year’s annual canvass but not yet done so.
“It’s not too late to respond. Simply follow the instructions on the letter or email you have been sent to make sure you can vote at the next elections.
“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 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.”
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.
Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check 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 gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact the Electoral Services Team at Hertsmere Borough Council on elections@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 7481.
Posted on Monday 21st October 2024