Rochford district 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 allows Rochford District Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.
Jonathan Stephenson, Electoral Registration Officer at Rochford District Council, said: “Keep an eye out for important updates from Rochford District Council. The annual canvass is underway and 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 we sent to you.
“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.”
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, added: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to respond to the 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.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website. Residents with questions about their registration status can contact our electoral services team by email at elections@rochford.gov.uk or call 01702 318187.