Calderdale residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
The annual canvass ensures that Calderdale Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. They would then be able take part in any future elections.
Robin Tuddenham, Electoral Registration Officer at Calderdale Council, said:
“The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address in Calderdale is accurate and up to date. If you receive a letter from us about the electoral register, all you need to do is follow the instructions so we know everyone in your household is registered and ready to vote.
“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(external link).”
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.
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 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 www.gov.uk/register-to-vote(external link).”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission(external link) website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact the Council’s electoral services team at Electoral-Services@calderdale.gov.uk or on 01422 393103.
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