Each year, we carry out the annual canvass to make sure the Electoral Register is accurate and up to date. This is a legal requirement, and it helps ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote can do so.
What you need to do
From August until November, we’ll contact every household in the borough to check the details we hold. The way we contact you will depend on the information we already have for your property.
Follow the instructions given on the form or email. If required, you must respond to confirm or update your details.
The quickest and simplest way to respond is online. You’ll need:
- The two security codes included in our email or letter
- The names and nationalities of everyone eligible to vote at your address
- Your postcode
Your information is protected under strict data protection (GDPR) rules and will only be used for electoral purposes.
Important: If you don’t respond, you may be removed from the register – which could affect your ability to vote and your credit score.
How we’ll contact you
Where possible, we’ll contact you by email to reduce costs.
If we don’t have your email address or you don’t respond, we’ll send a letter. If there’s still no response, we may follow up by:
- Telephone
- Post
- A visit to your property
Tell us about changes
When you respond, you can let us know if someone at your address has:
- Moved in or out
- Turned 16
- Are over 76
- Requires a postal vote form
- Passed away
New residents must also register to vote .
Depending on your response, we may send:
- A letter confirming changes to opt-out preferences
- A confirmation that someone has been removed from the register – remove please, we do not do this.
- A postal or proxy vote application (if requested)
- An invitation to register for new eligible residents
Moving house?
You should still respond to the canvass, even if you’re about to move. Once you’ve moved, you’ll need to register at your new address.
Problems with your form?
If there’s an issue with your form – such as an incorrect address or postcode then get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of this page.