Canvassers will be out and about

Canvassers will be out and about across Hertsmere to ensure residents don’t lose their voice on the decisions that affect them.

From Friday 13 September canvassers will be 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.

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. 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: “The annual canvass is an important part of the voter registration process. Every resident should now have received a form from Hertsmere Borough Council with information about their household on the electoral register as well as an email or text message, if we hold that information. Thank you to everyone who has responded to the annual canvass so far. 

"The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

"Residents who have not yet responded will receive a visit from a canvasser at home, who can help people complete and submit the annual canvass form using handheld tablets. Canvassers can be identified by their Hertsmere identification badge.

“Please remember, if you’re not currently registered to vote, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).”

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 Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).”

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.