Residents to receive a visit about electoral register

Residents in Stratford-on-Avon District who have yet to be confirmed on the new electoral register will be visited by Stratford District Council officers reminding them of the importance of submitting their details.

Although residents are not obliged to vote at elections, it is a legal requirement that their details are submitted for inclusion on the register as it is used to provide credit checks and jury service selection.

Caroline Nash, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Democratic Services Manager says: "The District Council has to carry out an annual canvass each year and it is a legal requirement for residents to provide the information when requested.

"Voting is an opportunity to have your say on important issues which affect your everyday life.  Not only could any omissions cost them the right to vote in any elections next year, but it could also affect their credit rating and have serious repercussions for things such as mortgages, phone contract and credit card applications.

"We've had a good response so far, but we've already had to spend additional money sending reminders to non-responding households and now these personal visits will be at a further cost to the District tax payer."

In July, 65,178 households in the District were sent a canvass communication. Different communication types were used depending on circumstances and they outlined who is currently registered to vote in the household. Most households only had to reply if there was any change to report.

This did however leave 12,748 households where it was understood that changes to occupiers had recently taken place and we need to be informed of their details. These households were required to reply.

In August, 6,194 reminder canvass communications of different types were sent and now visits will have be made to the 4,225 households whose details remain outstanding.

From 5 October, Stratford District Council officers will visit residents at home to ask them to provide or confirm their details.  Residents will be asked to complete a canvass form and also perhaps an individual invitation to register to vote form. For this their date of birth and national insurance number will be required to confirm their identity for the register.  Officers will be identifiable with photographic identification which can be confirmed by calling the District Council on 01789 260208 and will have regard to COVID-19 safety measures.

For more information or to register details online visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  Alternatively please call 01789 260208 to register over the phone.

1. Every household in the District was sent a Canvass Communication towards the end of July. These outline who is currently registered to vote in the household, it is not a registration form. New residents will be directed to complete a registration by completing a further form or going on-line.
   
   
2. The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as:
   detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
   * calling people for jury service
   * checking credit applications.
   
   
3. To be eligible to register to vote in England a person must be:

• Aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)
• A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.
• A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state.

British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta), as well as citizens of other EU member states can vote in local government elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.