As part of New Forest District Council’s annual voter registration canvass, households in the district will soon receive a form asking residents to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register for those living at their address is correct.
The aim of the form is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.
With Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place across the country in May 2016, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure that when the elections take place they will easily be able to take part.
Dave Yates, Electoral Registration Officer at New Forest District Council, said:
“Anyone that wants to vote must be registered. To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year, it is important to respond promptly to let us know whether the information shown on the form is correct. Depending on whether or not any changes are necessary, you may respond by internet, telephone or text, or by returning the paper copy of the form. Follow the instructions on the form.”
“If you’re not currently registered, we’ll send you information explaining how to register, or you can go online to apply at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Registering is quick and easy but you will need your National Insurance Number and date of birth so have these to hand before you go online.”
It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for the form and checks whether they are registered.
Research by the independent Electoral Commission indicates that across Great Britain, recent home-movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. The research showed that 94 % of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered compared to 40% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.
The same research indicates that whilst almost 95% of home owners are registered, this is the case for only 63% of private renters.
Residents who have any questions should contact the electoral services team at electoralservices@nfdc.gov.uk; or telephone (023) 8028 5445.
